Brian De Palma is one of the most distinctive and controversial filmmakers in Hollywood history. Known for his flamboyant visual style, mastery of suspense, and frequent homages to Alfred Hitchcock, De Palma has crafted some of the most memorable films in the thriller, crime, and horror genres. From Carrie (1976) to Scarface (1983) and The Untouchables (1987), his work has left an indelible mark on cinema.
Despite being both celebrated and criticized for his bold techniques—split screens, long tracking shots, and unflinching violence—De Palma remains a pivotal figure in New Hollywood, alongside contemporaries like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg. His influence can be seen in the works of directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and David Fincher.
This article explores De Palma’s career, his signature style, his most successful films, and his lasting impact on cinema.
Early Life and Influences
Brian Russell De Palma was born on September 11, 1940, in Newark, New Jersey. The son of a surgeon, he initially pursued physics at Columbia University before shifting his focus to film. His early fascination with cinema was shaped by European auteurs like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, as well as classic Hollywood directors, particularly Alfred Hitchcock.
De Palma’s student films already displayed his penchant for suspense and dark humor. His early features—Murder à la Mod (1968) and Greetings (1968)—were low-budget experiments that blended satire with thriller elements. However, it was Hi, Mom! (1970), a dark comedy featuring a young Robert De Niro, that hinted at his future direction.
Signature Style: Hitchcockian Thrills and Operatic Violence
De Palma’s filmmaking is characterized by several recurring techniques:
1. Homages to Hitchcock
De Palma’s love for Hitchcock is evident in many of his films. He frequently employs:
- Voyeurism: Characters spy on others (Body Double, Blow Out).
- MacGuffins: Objects or secrets that drive the plot (Mission: Impossible).
- Set-Piece Suspense: Elaborate sequences with meticulous buildup (Dressed to Kill, The Untouchables).
2. Split-Screen and Long Takes
De Palma often uses split-screen to heighten tension, most famously in Carrie’s prom scene. His long, uninterrupted shots—such as the opening of Snake Eyes (1998)—showcase his technical prowess.
3. Operatic Violence and Eroticism
His films frequently merge sex and violence (Body Double, Dressed to Kill), creating a lurid, almost theatrical intensity.
4. Unreliable Narratives and Twists
Like Hitchcock, De Palma plays with audience perception, using dream sequences (Raising Cain) and shocking reveals (Mission to Mars).
Major Films and Career Highlights
1. Sisters (1973)
De Palma’s first major thriller, Sisters, introduced his Hitchcockian approach. The film’s split-screen climax and psychological twists established his reputation.
2. Carrie (1976)
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, Carrie remains one of the greatest horror films ever made. Sissy Spacek’s performance, combined with De Palma’s operatic climax, cemented his status as a master of suspense.
3. Dressed to Kill (1980)
A controversial erotic thriller, Dressed to Kill drew comparisons to Psycho for its shocking violence and gender themes. Its museum sequence is a masterclass in tension.
4. Blow Out (1981)
Starring John Travolta as a sound engineer who uncovers a conspiracy, Blow Out is one of De Palma’s most critically acclaimed films. Its tragic ending and political undertones make it a standout.
5. Scarface (1983)
Though initially divisive, Scarface (starring Al Pacino) became a cultural phenomenon. Its hyper-stylized violence and iconic dialogue (“Say hello to my little friend!”) influenced hip-hop and gangster cinema.
6. The Untouchables (1987)
A more mainstream success, The Untouchables featured Sean Connery’s Oscar-winning performance and one of cinema’s greatest shootouts (the Union Station staircase scene).
7. Mission: Impossible (1996)
De Palma launched Tom Cruise’s blockbuster franchise with a dazzling heist sequence and double-crossing plot that set the tone for future installments.
8. Later Works: Femme Fatale (2002), The Black Dahlia (2006), Passion (2012)
Though his later films received mixed reviews, they retained his stylistic trademarks—complex narratives, lush visuals, and bold set pieces.
Controversies and Criticisms
De Palma’s films often courted controversy:
- Misogyny accusations: Critics argued his films objectified women (Body Double, Dressed to Kill).
- Graphic violence: Scarface and Casualties of War (1989) were criticized for excessive brutality.
- Polarizing narratives: Some found his plots convoluted (Raising Cain, Mission to Mars).
Yet, defenders argue his excesses are deliberate, blending satire with genre conventions.
Legacy and Influence
De Palma’s impact on modern filmmakers is profound:
- Quentin Tarantino cites Blow Out and Carrie as major influences.
- Paul Thomas Anderson borrowed his tracking shots and ensemble storytelling.
- David Fincher adopted his dark, meticulous visual style.
His techniques—split screens, long takes, unreliable narrators—are now staples in thrillers and noir cinema.
Conclusion
Brian De Palma remains one of cinema’s most audacious stylists. Whether loved or loathed, his films are unforgettable, blending technical brilliance with provocative storytelling. From Hitchcockian suspense to operatic violence, his work continues to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences.
As De Palma himself once said: “You make a movie to make a movie. If you’re good, maybe people will watch it.” Decades later, people are still watching—and learning from—his films.