John Carpenter Calls This Free-To-Stream Thriller “unlike anything else I’ve ever seen”
John Carpenter had his finger on the pulse of the horror genre in the ‘70s and ‘80s. He churned out one cult classic after another during that time period. Not to mention, Carpenter helped pave the way for the slasher boom of the’80s with the seminal classic Halloween. So, when the director shares a recommendation, we always take note.
Earlier this year, Carpenter shared his top ten picks from the Criterion catalogue. Among his stellar selections is the classic thriller Blow -Up. A picture that has influenced several generations of filmmakers in the years since its 1966 release.
“This movie has such a particular mood and feeling that is unlike anything else I’ve ever seen,” Carpenter told Criterion. “I love it and admire Antonioni very much.
Blow -Up is about questioning what’s real and what’s not. Both the viewer and the character wonder if there was really a murder in the park. And it’s all summarized in that final scene when we watch the mime troupe playing tennis with a ball that’s imaginary—and yet we hear it. It’s so weird but so great.”
That’s an enthusiastic recommendation for a much-loved classic. If Carpenter’s appreciation for the flick has you itching to seek out Blow-Up, you’re in luck. You can scope the film on Tubi as of the publication of this post.
The picture is inspired by Julio Cortázar’s short story Las babas del diablo. British photographer David Bailey was also a reported inspiration for the film’s lead character.
Interestingly, the National Legion of Decency spoke out against the film’s content and the MPAA formed, at least partially, in response to the picture’s edgy onscreen depictions.
Thomas (David Hemmings) is a London photographer who spends his time photographing fashion models. But one day he thinks he may have photographed something far more sinister: a murder. After taking pictures in the park, Thomas is horrified to find an ambiguous image lurking on the edge of the frame, which could be a shadow, but looks like a gun. The only thing clear is that the woman (Vanessa Redgrave) in the photo has appeared at his studio — and wants the pictures he took.
That’s all we have at present. Keep an eye out for more recommendations from your favorite Masters of Horror as we unearth them. Also, be sure to follow @DreadCentral on Twitter so you never miss out on one of our exciting updates.
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