Shadows (1959)

Director:

John Cassavetes

Writer:

John Cassavetes (writer)

Release Date:

11 November 1959 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Cassavetes' jazz-scored improvisational film explores interracial friendships and relationships in Beat-Era (1950s) New York City.

Plot Keywords:

Friendship | New York City | Jazz | Talent | African American

Awards:

Nominated for 3 BAFTA Film Awards. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Ben Carruthers	...	Ben
Lelia Goldoni	...	Lelia
Hugh Hurd	...	Hugh
Anthony Ray	...	Tony
Dennis Sallas	...	Dennis
Tom Reese	...	Tom (as Tom Allen)
David Pokitillow	...	David
Rupert Crosse	...	Rupert
David Jones	...	Davey (as Davey Jones)
Pir Marini	...	Pir the Piano Player
Victoria Vargas	...	Vickie
Jack Ackerman	...	Jack, Director of Dance Studio
Jacqueline Walcott	...	Jacqueline
Cliff Carnell
Jay Crecco

Runtime:

81 min | UK:87 min | USA:87 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:PG (re-rating) (1992) | UK:X (original rating) | USA:PG (1991)

Filming Locations:

Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Lion International

Trivia:

The love scene was shot in Katharine Hepburn's brother's apartment.

Quotes:

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.

Movie Connections:

References Desperate Journey (1942)

Soundtrack:

Beautiful

Well-done early independent film by Cassavetes...

1st watched 8/26/2001 - 8 out of 10 (Dir-John Cassavetes): Well-done early independent film by Cassavetes introduced a style that was much different than what Hollywood shows it's audience. This movie also introduced some very taboo subjects, especially the actual racism that probably was prevalent all over the country but was not displayed by the mostly white controlled filmmakers of the time. About the only black actors that had much respect at this time were the ones that acted and displayed personality like whites(aka. Sidney Poitier). Besides this, the idea of ending a film without truly concluding the relationships that began leaves many moviegoers dumbfounded but actually makes the viewers realize that life is like this(it goes on...). I prefer this kind of an ending because it makes you think more about the characters and what may happen next and the conclusions are not just laid out for you. The movie follows the lives of people(particulary a couple of people who have a brief relationship and happen to be opposite skin colors) then we watch what happens when the white man realizes what he's done. This is done very well and makes the movie very special. The acting is supposedly done improvisationally which makes the movie even more amazing. I guess you can say I liked this movie, if you can't tell. If you can find it check out this classic early independent film.