The 88% RT Thriller Quentin Tarantino Called ‘1 of the Greatest Films Ever Made’

by

Few movie genres are as captivating as a well-made thriller, often prompting repeated viewings and detailed analysis. Creating a truly great thriller is difficult, and not every director possesses the necessary talent. Interestingly, even Quentin Tarantino hasn’t directed a pure thriller, as his filmmaking style leans in a different direction. However, he frequently incorporates thriller elements into his work, learning from directors he admires. While Tarantino’s influences are well-known, one director particularly shaped his early development – the filmmaker behind iconic movies like Scarface.

Everyone knows Sergio Leone is Quentin Tarantino’s favorite director, but he’s also always talked about how much the filmmakers of the 1970s – often called the ‘movie brats’ – influenced him. People usually think of Martin Scorsese or Steven Spielberg when they think of that era, but Tarantino was actually most inspired by Brian De Palma, a master of suspense from that time. De Palma, heavily influenced by Alfred Hitchcock, created classic thrillers like Sisters, Dressed to Kill, and Body Double. These films have only grown more iconic over the years. While De Palma made many great movies, including some that redefined gangster films, Tarantino especially recommends his 1981 film Blow Out, considering it a true masterpiece.

Tarantino Called Blow Out One of the Greatest Movies Of All Time

When people think of Quentin Tarantino, they often focus on the genres his films fit into – crime, action, and Western, for example, as seen in movies like Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Django Unchained. But Tarantino’s work is much more than that. He skillfully blends genres and includes countless references to, and homages of, classic films and directors. He’s inspired by a wide range of cinema, and fans might be surprised to discover elements of horror and thriller films within his movies. Directors like John Carpenter, Sam Peckinpah, and Brian De Palma were particularly influential to him during the 70s and 80s. De Palma is a favorite, and while Tarantino loves films like Sisters and Dressed to Kill, he considers Blow Out to be one of the greatest films ever made. Blow Out, starring John Travolta, Nancy Allen, and John Lithgow, is both a nod to Hitchcockian thrillers and a thoughtful take on European mystery films like Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow Up. The film centers on Jack Terry (Travolta), a sound engineer for low-budget horror movies, who accidentally witnesses a crime and becomes dangerously involved in a complex conspiracy.

Blow Out is a gripping and unsettling thriller that delves into themes of paranoia, obsession, and crime. It’s expertly crafted with clever misdirection, hints of what’s to come, and surprising plot twists. De Palma skillfully combines different filmmaking techniques – like carefully planned shots, a haunting score by Pino Donaggio, and thought-provoking social commentary – to create a truly memorable and impactful film. It remains one of his most powerful and lasting works.

The film offers a fresh take on the theme of voyeurism, a common element in thrillers like Hitchcock’s Rear Window. However, instead of visual spying, the story unfolds through sound. This approach echoes how Antonioni explored similar ideas using photography. Quentin Tarantino deeply appreciates this nuance and considers it a key reason why the film is so brilliantly crafted. He believes Brian De Palma uniquely combines cinematic techniques to achieve this powerful effect, leading Tarantino to call Blow Out one of the best films ever made. He specifically credits De Palma’s authorship as the reason for its greatness – a typical result when a distinctive director like De Palma tackles a genre film.

Blow Out Is One of the Best Thrillers Of the 1980s

It’s still impressive that Brian De Palma released Blow Out only a year after Dressed to Kill, which some even consider his better film. Scarface’s huge popularity often overshadows De Palma’s earlier work. While he became known for gangster films in the ’80s and ’90s, he’s fundamentally a thriller and horror director. Though Dressed to Kill is incredibly stylish and gripping, Blow Out offers a more intriguing mystery, with stronger characters and a captivating performance from its cast. Blow Out arrived at the start of a decade filled with memorable thrillers.

While the 1980s didn’t consistently deliver strong thrillers – with exceptions from directors like De Palma, Cronenberg, and the Coen Brothers – 1981’s Blow Out stands out for its insightful look at how ordinary people can unexpectedly influence major events. The film centers on Jack Terry, a sound recordist dissatisfied with his work, who accidentally stumbles upon a murder while on the job. When he tries to help the woman involved, both Jack and Sally find themselves in danger and forced to investigate the crime themselves. But getting involved proves to be far more dangerous than they anticipated.

De Palma creates tension by showing how Jack and Sally’s desires pull them in opposite directions, even as they’re drawn to each other. Jack’s relentless pursuit of the truth clashes with Sally’s wish to avoid it, and he repeatedly persuades her to assist him, ultimately leading to a turning point with devastating consequences. Though the film doesn’t show Jack dealing with the aftermath, De Palma skillfully hints at the dramatic conclusion throughout.

From the start, the film reveals Jack’s deep sense of guilt over a past error, subtly hinting at a repeating pattern in his life. This masterful foreshadowing creates a sense of inevitability as the story unfolds, and the parallels between the beginning and end beautifully complete Jack’s character arc. Brian De Palma’s skill is evident throughout, and it’s why filmmakers like Tarantino admire his work. Blow Out is a gripping thriller, filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and strong performances, making it essential viewing for genre fans. Released during a relatively weak period for thrillers, it stands out as one of De Palma’s finest achievements and remains a defining film of the 1980s.

Blow Out Had a Direct Influence On Quentin Tarantino’s Early Career

Quentin Tarantino’s fans might be surprised to learn how much his work owes to Brian De Palma’s Blow Out. Beyond the fact that both films star John Travolta, Blow Out heavily influenced Tarantino’s use of plot twists and hints about what’s to come. Blow Out also showcased a particularly memorable performance by Travolta, and Tarantino was so impressed that he specifically sought him out to star in his second film.

By the 1990s, John Travolta’s career had stalled after a period of great success in the late 70s and early 80s. He struggled to find significant roles for several years. However, director Quentin Tarantino revitalized his career by casting him in Pulp Fiction, a decision partly influenced by Travolta’s performance in Blow Out. Following Pulp Fiction in 1994, Travolta enjoyed a resurgence, with a series of important films adding to his legacy. He owes a debt to both Tarantino and Brian De Palma, who directed Blow Out and gave Travolta one of his most memorable roles.

Read More

2025-10-24 06:07