Criterion Year Week 31: Faces

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover.

We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with...

Faces

Spine Number: 252

Director: John Cassavetes

Genre: Drama

There is an evolution to the work of John Cassavetes that is fascination to watch. Shadows was a revolutionary film that is very much tied to a certain age. Not just by the year it was made, but more the age of those making it. It's a film that expresses a certain stage in a young person's life. In as basic a way as it could be put, it's about life at the party. "Faces," is about life at the after party.

A little older, past the big fun years, as it were, an into the time after where things are a little more set and calm. It could just as easily be called, "We're Going to this Guy's Place." The party is over, but you aren't ready to go home because... why would you want to. So, you end up in places you might not normally go with people you might not normally go anywhere with. You're trying to hold on to something, but you know you can't. It's difficult to describe.

Free form, anarchic, and open ended. Cassavetes making what he wants regardless of the rules. Also, Gena Rowlands doing what she does best, being better than everyone in the room.

So, check out the second step our journey through the world of John Cassavetes.

Next Week:

The journey continues with...

Spine number 253: A Woman Under The Influence

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Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League.

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