#251: CASSAVETES, John: Shadows (1959)

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JOHN CASSAVETES: FIVE FILMS {Spine #250}

CASSAVETES, John (United States)
Shadows [1959]
Spine #251
DVD


John Cassavetes' directorial debut revolves around an interracial romance between Lelia (Lelia Goldoni), a light-skinned black woman living in New York City with her two brothers, and Tony (Anthony Ray), a white man. The relationship crumbles when Tony meets Lelia's brother Hugh (Hugh Hurd), a talented dark-skinned jazz singer struggling to find work, and discovers the truth about Lelia's racial heritage. Shot on location in Manhattan with a cast and crew made up primarily of amateurs, Cassavetes' Shadows is a visionary work that is widely considered the forerunner of the independent film movement.

81 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2004
Director



Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Sixty-eight page booklet featuring essays by Cassavetes, Gary Giddins, and tributes by Martin Scorsese, Elaine Kagan, and Jonathan Lethem.

Commentary

None.

Video interviews

With actress Goldoni and associate producer Cassel.
Silent 16mm footage

Of Cassavetes and Burt Lane’s acting workshop.
Restoration demonstration

Stills gallery

Featuring rare behind-the-scenes production photos.
Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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