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475 Ratings

Blast of Silence

United States, 1961

Drama, Thriller, Crime

Synopsis

Swift, brutal, and black-hearted, Allen Baron’s New York City noir Blast of Silence is a sensational surprise, a low-budget, carefully crafted portrait of a hit man on assignment in Manhattan during Christmastime.

Blast of Silence Directed by Allen Baron

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Cast & Crew

Articles from the Notebook

Now on DVD: "Blast of Silence" (Baron, 1961)

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What are people saying?

José Neves's rating of the film Blast of Silence
José Neves

Although deeply inscribed in the ways of American independent B movies, being an accurate portrayal of New York in the 60s, this movie reminds me the existentialist formality of some of the most extraordinary examples of Japanese New Wave thrillers, such as the ones by Shinoda, Gosha or Teshigahara. The omniscient demiurgical narrator is also, in this case, a different character that by the sound becomes indelible.
January 06, 2016 09:35
- 2
- 0
mjgildea's rating of the film Blast of Silence
mjgildea

After enjoying but not being thoroughly impressed with Blast of Silence initially, subsequent viewings did a hell of a lot more for me. It was like Sin City's neurotic, blue-collar deadbeat dad. A fast, nasty and quick watch that really impresses, especially when you stop & realize its 50 years old. One of my favorite Christmas movies and a shame that Baron never made another movie.
December 30, 2014 17:27
- 2
- 0
Jazzaloha's rating of the film Blast of Silence
Jazzaloha

An American made film noir with European sensibility--the existential theme, rather than a entertaining narrative, is at the heart of the film. A film noir equivalent of *Carnival of Souls*. Given the low-budget and the lack of name filmmakers, these films are small miracles and that's one of the big reasons they warrant the criterion treatment.
December 08, 2009 05:59
- 1
- 0
Graveyard Poet's rating of the film Blast of Silence
Graveyard Poet

One of the greatest independent films--set the stage for the new age of film noir and gangster films and heavily influenced Martin Scorsese (as can be seen in Mean Streets). Perfect movie to watch during the Christmas season when you're in a lonely place.
November 21, 2011 18:47
- 0
- 0
Christopher R. Smith's rating of the film Blast of Silence
Christopher R. Smith

Offbeat B-movie film noir plays more like a European art film than a Hollywood crime drama, especially with its nihilistic ending. Strong performances and authentic, gritty big city atmosphere - though the atmosphere was somewhat more compelling than the actual plot. Very effective jazz score.
March 11, 2009 07:21
- 0
- 0
Ethan's rating of the film Blast of Silence
Ethan

This is a chilling and gritty portrait of a professional killer with a voice over that almost feels like it's cheering the main character on like a devil on his shoulder.
March 26, 2017 05:26
- 0
- 0
Bilouaustria's rating of the film Blast of Silence
Bilouaustria

Allen Baron succeeds in creating an atmosphere. Maybe it´s this music, or maybe it´s New York, this nostalgic New York feeling. But in France in the 1960s, Melville or Bresson (and of course Duras) would have made the film without the voice over. To make it dryer, to fill it with silences and habits of the killer. Still it is worth better than the B mention. Beautiful last sequence.
April 22, 2016 01:21
- 0
- 0
Illusion Travels By Streetcar's rating of the film Blast of Silence
Illusion Travels By Streetcar

"It's still the same thing: dissatisfaction with what is supposed to be The American Dream." http://illusionpodcast.blogspot.com/2014/05/episode-15.html
October 22, 2015 18:16
- 0
- 0

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Blast of Silence

Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Allen Baron Director, Cast, Screenplay

Molly McCarthy Cast

Larry Tucker Cast

Peter H. Clune Cast

Meyer Kupferman Music

Merrill Brody Producer, Cinematography

Peggy Lawson Editing

Danny Meehan Cast

Articles from the Notebook

Now on DVD: "Blast of Silence" (Baron, 1961)

What are people saying?

José Neves's rating of the film Blast of Silence

mjgildea's rating of the film Blast of Silence

Jazzaloha's rating of the film Blast of Silence

Graveyard Poet's rating of the film Blast of Silence

Christopher R. Smith's rating of the film Blast of Silence

Ethan's rating of the film Blast of Silence

Bilouaustria's rating of the film Blast of Silence

Illusion Travels By Streetcar's rating of the film Blast of Silence

In these lists

Related films

The Yards

The Killer

Pale Flower

In Bruges

Homicide

Donnie Brasco

Dead Man's Shoes

Elevator to the Gallows

Tokyo Drifter

Shock Corridor

The Naked Kiss

Blast of Silence

Synopsis

Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Allen Baron Director, Cast, Screenplay

Molly McCarthy Cast

Larry Tucker Cast

Peter H. Clune Cast

Meyer Kupferman Music

Merrill Brody Producer, Cinematography

Peggy Lawson Editing

Danny Meehan Cast

Articles from the Notebook

Now on DVD: "Blast of Silence" (Baron, 1961)

What are people saying?

In these lists

Related films

Le trou

Jacques Becker France, 1960