Blowup (1966, GBR/ITA/USA) C-111m. ***½ D: Michelangelo Antonioni. Starring David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles, John Castle, Jane Birkin, Gillian Hills, Peter Bowles, Verushka. Fascinating landmark film set in London, where high-strung, impulsive fashion photographer Hemmings goes for a stroll in the park where he intends to escape his every day life. He snaps some pictures of a couple and is approached by the woman, who wants to have the photos at all costs. Then he realizes that he may have photographed a murder, and starts to investigate. More character and lifestyle drama than murder mystery, this film made Hemmings an international star. Antonioni deviates from plot occasionally and enters a stream-of-consciousness mode and just follows his protagonist around. Lack of score is also atypical. Nominated for two Oscars (Director, Screenplay), and winner of the Golden Palm at Cannes.



© Ron Altman @ www.cultfilmz.com