Product: Faces [VHS] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
fascinating film, but look for the criterion edition
This is John Cassavettes' first film, that developed out of an improvisational acting workshop. For sheer power and authenticity (which are different from "realism") there is nothing like Cassavettes' non-studio films. Essential viewing for those who are interested in American cinema, especially the rise of auteur-based work that began in the '70s and continues (at least ostensibly, with a few films here and there) in the independent film scene today.One note on this edition: there is a finer edition of this film available through the Criterion Collection, but you can't buy it "a la carte." You need to get it with the John Cassavettes collection, that includes this along with Shadows, Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Opening Night, and A Woman Under the Influence, and a solid (even if it could use some trimming and doesn't really work as a feature film in its own right) documentary on Cassavettes. The criterion version of Faces, along with a better transfer, also includes an alternate opening of this film (which was substantially altered after its initial release).This is not a bad one to own as it stands. But if you really become captivated by this or have already become captivated by one of Cassavettes' other films, you'll be kicking yourself for buying this one and will really want to buy the bigger collection. (I know I was kicking myself until I broke down and bought the whole collection).