David Hemmings stars as a tireless, exacting fashion photographer in London who accidentally takes pictures of a murder; he fleetingly gets to know a woman involved in the killing but can't break through her alienation (or, indeed, anyone else's). Dazzling piece of colorful eye-candy from director Michelangelo Antonioni, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Tonino Guerra from Julio Cortázar's short story "Las babas del diablo", has a careful, studied pace and a lot of desperate, moody characters. Unfortunately, the last 45 minutes drops off sharply, what with mimes in the park and the Yardbirds showing up for a concert. Handsome albeit demanding film--sort of a cinematic enigma--will not please everyone, although audiences of the Swinging '60s really tapped into the stylish, chic confusion and isolation. Two Oscar nominations, including Antonioni as Best Director. Three BAFTA nominations, including Best British Film. Antonioni received the Palme d'Or (the highest prize) at the Cannes Film Festival. **1/2 from ****
Review of Blow-Up
