Blow Out is a 1981 thriller film directed by Brian De Palma and starring John Travolta as Jack Terry, a sound recordist who accidentally records a car accident that leads to a political conspiracy. Jack is initially working on a low-budget horror movie, but while gathering ambient sounds near a bridge, he witnesses a car crash into the river. He jumps in to save the female passenger, Sally (Nancy Allen), but the male driver dies.
As Jack reviews his audio recordings, he realizes that he captured a gunshot sound before the tire blowout that caused the accident. He suspects foul play and starts investigating the incident, with the help of Sally. They discover that the driver was a potential presidential candidate and that a political strategist, Burke (John Lithgow), might have orchestrated the accident as part of a cover-up.
Jack's efforts to uncover the truth put him in danger, as Burke and his associates try to silence him. Things escalate when Sally becomes a target too, and Jack has to use his skills and resources to protect her and expose the conspiracy.
Blow Out received positive reviews for its direction, cinematography, and performances, particularly Travolta's. It was also praised for its commentary on the use of media and manipulation in politics. The film's themes of surveillance, truth, and the power of sound have influenced several filmmakers over the years.