Shadows (1959)

Shadows
Directed by John Cassavettes
Written by John Cassavettes
1959/USA
Lion International
First viewing/FilmStruck
#363 of 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die

[box] Tony: I need the key for 042!

David: You can’t get it, Elaine’s not in.

Rupert: Where is she?

David: She’s dealing with the raccoons, man.[/box]

John Cassavettes keeps it real in his debut film.  His later films would be more polished but the emotions remain just as raw.

The film focuses on twenty-something siblings, two brothers and a sister, who are struggling to find their way in life.  The two brothers are jazz musicians and their little sister seems to be at loose ends.  We concentrate on a few days of their lives in New York City.  These are filled with parties and fights, some verbal and some physical.

The film was based on an actor’s workshop improvisation in which a white swinger seduces the sister only to discover that she is both black and a virgin.  For me, the highlights of the film were the seduction scene, the minutes after consummation of the conquest, and the sister’s date with a black man thereafter.  All seemed as messy as real life and as moving.

This shows what can happen when a filmmaker ditches both the Hayes Code and Hollywood conventions.  The improvisational nature of the film was part of its charm and freshness but also means some of the acting seems a bit stilted and forced as the actors search for words.  Later films would refine the improvisational technique and employ more experienced actors.  Recommended.

Trailer