"Nothing like a little disaster for sorting things out."
Michelangelo Antonioni’s first English film Blowup is easily his most popular film and my favorite of his. Blowup revolves around a day in life of a British photographer Thomas. The first half of the film is focused on showing the audience the artistic tendencies of Thomas and how seriously he takes his craft. Always searching for originality and finding the most common antiques as a source for inspiration. Thomas is found in the middle of a murder case, after taking pictures of a mysterious couple in the park and discovering a man with a gun in the bushes, when developing his prints back in his studio. It’s funny, this film contains one of the most sexual scenes ever caught on film yet I left my local cinema feeling like a kid all over again.
This film isn’t dialogue driven like most other Antonioni films because the camerawork and cinematography is what carries the load here. David Henning (Thomas) also does an excellent job at bringing the desperate artist role to life and never seeming contrived or artificial while doing so. The work ethic and constant appreciation that Thomas has for detail reflects Antonioni’s approach to the film; the thin models trying their best to seduce Thomas and the nameless woman who follows Thomas to his studio in search for the roll of film that shows her being involved with the eventual murder victim, are scenes that show you how vulnerable Thomas really is. In every shot, the mis-en scene is speaking to the audience and reminding them that they are in the world of the artist, Thomas, and everything you see is his own outlook and connection to that particular object. The best part about the film is that it never allows it’s stunning visuals overshadow the interesting yet simple story.
What draws me to this film and makes it the most appealing Antonioni film is that we can all relate to figuring out how to appreciate the smaller things in life. Thomas isn’t a wealthy individual nor is he poor but the way he is drawn to such mysterious individuals and neglects those who attempt to uphold this stereotypical facade of a model, displays Thomas’ loyalty to his art. This film is labeled as a thriller by some but in my honest opinion, it’s a film that showcases the growth of an artist that refuses to “dumb down” his material. And that artist is reminded that the most beautiful people in life are those who are willing to dress as mimes and play a game of imaginary tennis. You can take that last line as a spoiler or as an analogy. You’ll understand what I’m saying either way, after viewing this masterpiece from one of the most influential directors of all-time. Like Thomas, you’ll understand the true meaning of originality and how important and valuable it is to those who take time in doing what they love.
This film isn’t dialogue driven like most other Antonioni films because the camerawork and cinematography is what carries the load here. David Henning (Thomas) also does an excellent job at bringing the desperate artist role to life and never seeming contrived or artificial while doing so. The work ethic and constant appreciation that Thomas has for detail reflects Antonioni’s approach to the film; the thin models trying their best to seduce Thomas and the nameless woman who follows Thomas to his studio in search for the roll of film that shows her being involved with the eventual murder victim, are scenes that show you how vulnerable Thomas really is. In every shot, the mis-en scene is speaking to the audience and reminding them that they are in the world of the artist, Thomas, and everything you see is his own outlook and connection to that particular object. The best part about the film is that it never allows it’s stunning visuals overshadow the interesting yet simple story.
What draws me to this film and makes it the most appealing Antonioni film is that we can all relate to figuring out how to appreciate the smaller things in life. Thomas isn’t a wealthy individual nor is he poor but the way he is drawn to such mysterious individuals and neglects those who attempt to uphold this stereotypical facade of a model, displays Thomas’ loyalty to his art. This film is labeled as a thriller by some but in my honest opinion, it’s a film that showcases the growth of an artist that refuses to “dumb down” his material. And that artist is reminded that the most beautiful people in life are those who are willing to dress as mimes and play a game of imaginary tennis. You can take that last line as a spoiler or as an analogy. You’ll understand what I’m saying either way, after viewing this masterpiece from one of the most influential directors of all-time. Like Thomas, you’ll understand the true meaning of originality and how important and valuable it is to those who take time in doing what they love.
Trailer:
I've never seen an Antonioni film. Perhaps this will be my first one.
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