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As a long time Cassavetters fan this review is biased to say the least. What I like about Cassavettes is the way he deals with the human condition. Most films today that attempt to deal with this subject don't develop the character(s) so the viewer is drawn in. Sometimes unknowns are the best for getting a story of human infalability, that's why Cassavettes used unknown actors often. My favorite film is Edge of the City and is not in this box set because it is directed by Martin Ritt. In this film you can see where Cassavettes (Axel Nordmann) and Sidney Portier (Tommy Tyler) have take their respective characters to heights where mere acting disappears. Criterion reproductions never ceases to come through. I am not a movie or TV buff but when I like music, books, woodworking and films that stand the test of time. I highly recommend the Criterion box to everyone.Read full review
***MINIMAL SPOILERS*** John Cassavettes: Five Films ( DVD, 2004, 8-Disc Set, Special Edition) has: 1) A Woman Under the Influence; 2) Shadows; 3 & 4) Faces; 5) Opening Night; 6 & 7) The Killing of a Chinese Bookie. 8) A Constant Forge: The Life and Art of John Cassavettes. A pamphlet also included: John Cassavettes: Five Films. Get this if you even THINK about studying the Independent Movie Movement. Many film hobbyists consider Mr. Cassavettes THE poineer int his great evolution of movie-making.
One of Criterion's best box sets. Makes one wonder how different filmmaking would be had Cassavetes achieved greater success and notariety. A true genius who understood everything wrong with Hollywood.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
First off I am a big fan of the Criterion Collection. It's a great collection of films that are, for the most part, out of the main stream Hollywood films. And they can show you so much about what film can be. Combine this with John Cassavetes. A real Hollywood outsider who created films based on his personal vision. Real and complex characters. Interesting, often disturbing stories. And a real "fly by the seat of his pants" approach to making films. You sense things in the film were often a surprise to him as the director, as much as they become a surprise to us the viewer.
An amazing 8 disc set containing some classic Cassavetes films each in a nicely designed cardboard case which slide into a nice holder which then slides into the cardboard slipcase. Cassavetes movies always seem more real, more intense, and different from many mainstream Hollywood produced films. These are great films which are worth multiple explorations. I cannot recommend a boxed set any higher than I'd recommend this one.
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