John Cassavetes’ 1959 directorial debut, Shadows is a groundbreaking film and the birth of American independent cinema.
The film is essentially about interracial relations during the Beat Generation in New York City. It follows three African-American siblings, Benny, Lelia and Hugh.
Benny's a hipster, exploring Manhattan's beat scene. He hangs with his friends, hits on girls and goes to art museums.
Benny's a hipster, exploring Manhattan's beat scene. He hangs with his friends, hits on girls and goes to art museums.
Hugh, is the older brother, a struggling jazz singer whose agent and friend, Rupert, may be the only person who believes in him.
Lelia, who is much lighter skinned than her siblings, falls for Tony at a book party only to have him leave when he meets her darker siblings and lets his prejudice get the best of him.
This film is a raw, gritty portrait of the beat generation, filled with jazz and powerful emotion. A groundbreaking film for its time Cassavetes makes a fantastic directorial debut.
Rating: 5/5 *****
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