Watch Blast of Silence

Blast of Silence is a crime drama film that was released in 1961. It was written, directed and starred by Allen Baron, as well as featuring Molly McCarthy and Larry Tucker in supporting roles. The movie follows hitman Frankie Bono as he travels to New York City to complete a job during the Christmas season. The film is known for its unique narration style and gritty depiction of the city.

The opening of the movie features a voiceover that sets the tone for the rest of the film. The narrator explains that "the city at night is a dream, but for others, it's their reality." The camera then follows Frankie Bono as he arrives in New York City by train, dressed in a trench coat and fedora. He meets with a contact who gives him his target: a mobster named Troiano who is hiding out in the city.

The film then follows Frankie as he tries to complete his job without getting caught by the police or betrayed by the people around him. He rents a room in a seedy hotel and begins to stake out his target. Along the way, he starts to reflect on his life as a hitman, his failed romantic relationships, and his feelings of isolation.

Blast of Silence is notable for its unconventional narration style. The voiceover is provided by a third-party narrator who describes Frankie's actions and feelings in an almost detached manner. This creates a sense of distance between the audience and the character, emphasizing the loneliness and isolation of Frankie's life.

In addition to its narration style, the film is also known for its gritty depiction of New York City in the 1960s. The movie was filmed on location, giving viewers a look into the city's underbelly. The camera captures seedy hotels, dark alleyways, and rundown neighborhoods. The film's use of black and white cinematography adds to its noirish feel.

Despite its grim subject matter, Blast of Silence also has moments of humor and irony. Frankie often finds himself in absurd situations, such as trying to purchase a gun from a dealer who only speaks Spanish. These moments provide a sense of levity to an otherwise intense film.

The performances in Blast of Silence are also noteworthy. Allen Baron delivers a compelling performance as the loner hitman. His portrayal of Frankie is understated and nuanced, drawing the audience into his character's emotional state. Molly McCarthy and Larry Tucker also give strong performances as the people who enter Frankie's life during his stay in New York City.

Overall, Blast of Silence is a gripping crime drama with a unique take on the genre. Its unconventional narration style and gritty depiction of New York City set it apart from other films of the era. The film is a must-see for fans of classic cinema, as well as anyone interested in noirish crime dramas.