Tag: john cassavetes

Rosemary’s Baby

Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 movie directed by Roman Polanski.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A young couple move into a new apartment and befriend their older neighbors, the Castevet’s. Rosemary becomes pregnant and grows suspicious of those around her – eventually realizing she and her unborn baby are the targets of an occult group.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Rosemary’s Baby is a well-crafted, exceptional piece of horror.

THE ACTORS

Mia Farrow plays the demure title character and gives the movie its moral core. Her most memorable moments come as she physically and emotionally loses touch with her body. It’s a delicate, but profound performance – highlighted by the ritual dream sequences in which she becomes an unwitting participant in the Castevet’s occult practices. Farrow immerses herself in the physical traits of the role – her vibrant Rosemary grows ashen and sickly as the movie progresses towards its shocking end.

Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer are phenomenal as Minnie and Roman Castevet. Gordon is a scene stealer as the whirlwind, aloof Minnie. Her character dominates the screen – fluidly manipulating Rosemary throughout her pregnancy. Blackmer plays Roman with a genteel varnish and feigned confusion. It’s a unique performance that presents his character as both mysterious and innocuous.

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Shadows

Shadows is a 1958 movie directed by John Cassavetes.

WHAT HAPPENS?

Young Lelia navigates love and interracial relationships, while her brother Hugh struggles with a fledgling singing career. Their brother, Benny, is a hipster that finds himself between cultures.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Shadows is a lyrical interpretation of race set in 1950’s beat New York City.

THE ACTORS

Cassavetes’ cast features largely novice actors, who deliver raw energy that’s fitting with the movie’s DIY style. They can struggle with the weight of the rich dialogue but still convey honest emotion. Lelia Goldoni’s Lelia is the best example. She expresses the confusion and hurt of sexual relations, then later learns how to manipulate men. It’s a delicate, interesting performance.

The rest of the featured actors play one-note characters. Hugh Hurd’s Hugh is a volatile singer who refuses to acknowledge his outdated style. Anthony Ray’s Tony is a pseudo-intellectual who doesn’t grasp the impact his actions have on Lelia. Rupert Crosse is the most impressive actor of the group – he easily handles the nuance of Cassavetes’ dialogue.

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The Killing of a Chinese Bookie

The Killing of a Chinese Bookie is a 1976 movie directed by John Cassavetes.

Ben Gazzara plays Cosmo Vitelli, a strip club owner whose gambling addiction runs him afoul of the mob. He’s forced to murder a Chinese bookie to repay his debts. Gazzara’s Vitelli is unflappable throughout the movie, yet the scene stealer is the unpredictable, lurching Timothy Carey, who portrays mob enforcer Flo. The movie’s tone is quintessential 70’s – it’s dark and gritty, yet themes of family and honor emerge.

THE BEST – Timothy Carey

Carey may be one of the most uniquely strange actors of the last 50 years. He constantly appears to be crawling out of his own skin.

THE WORST – Timothy Carey Eating

It’s hard to describe. Just watch it.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5

If you love 70’s movie grime, this is for you. It’s desperately grim but Gazzara gives a tremendous performance. It’s worth a watch.