#The 12 Best Neo-Noir Films Ranked

Hitchcock was known as the “Master of Suspense,” and his extensive filmography inspired many imitators who attempted to capture his signature filmmaking techniques. Few among these directors were able to develop a style that both paid homage to Hitchcock and incorporated new ideas — Brian De Palma was the exception to this rule. De Palma was one of the cornerstone figures of New Hollywood in the 1970s, and reinvented Hitchcock’s meticulous sense of stylish suspense by infusing it with elements borrowed from Italian giallos, political thrillers, exploitation films, and psychological mysteries.

De Palma’s masterpiece is the 1981 neo-noir classic “Blow Out.” While “Blow Out” wasn’t initially a box office success, it gained critical appreciation over the years and developed a cult audience. “Blow Out” follows the film sound technician Jack Terry (John Travolta), who works on cheap, low-quality horror films. One night, Terry ends up accidentally recording a fateful car accident that claims the life of a driver and leaves behind a sole survivor, Sally Bedina (Nancy Allen). Using his sound editing skills, Terry mines the evidence and delves deeper into the crash, which he now suspects to be part of a larger conspiracy. He grows close to Sally, and learns that she is the mistress to the corrupt Governor George McRyan.

Terry’s filmmaking experience makes him unique among noir heroes, and De Palma uses the sordid movie sets to satirize the film industry. Just watch out: The ending of “Blow Out” is among the most tragic in film history.