John Cassavetes was better in front of a camera than behind. By basically giving up acting he probably cheated us of several classic performances. This, his first effort as producer, writer, director, for a major production company (Paramount) should have convinced everyone he was wrong for the tasks. While some of the themes he attempted were well-intended, they were rarely stated clearly or succinctly enough to be fully convincing. John's writing was mostly formless, meandering, and often unfocused - sometimes it rambled on till the vital energy of a scene was totally crushed, leaving only a shallow framework to limp forward till it collapsed. In attempting to gain an avant-garde style he constantly pushed each scene beyond its strengths, till some of the performers and most of the audience had lost interest. If ever there was a movie maker who desperately needed someone else to call "cut" it was him.
Bobby Darin and Stella Stevens as jazz musician and would-be singer are quite believable within their characters' limited personas - they strive to extend interest but are at the mercy of a somewhat contrived script. Darin went on to far better things in his tragically short life, while beautiful Stevens was mostly typecast in the Monroe vain. Veteran cinematographer Lionel Linden captures it all beautifully in gorgeous B/W - with some well known jazz muso's playing the score by respected David Raksin.
These limited interest productions seem to attract attention from people who believe that 'less is more' or would-be movie-makers who hide behind minimalism as an 'art' form. Cassavetes went on to making films with his drinking buddies - most of these productions looked like they were sponsored by Alcohol and Cigarette companies. Everybody constantly drank and smoked, they also tended to feature pack shots and labels blatantly facing camera wherever possible (John, sadly was an alcoholic and chain smoker and these addictions eventually contributed to his death, way too early)
If you can last the distance you might just be eligible to become a new fan. The Olive label is to be commended for making it available in such a fine quality DVD transfer.
Bobby Darin and Stella Stevens as jazz musician and would-be singer are quite believable within their characters' limited personas - they strive to extend interest but are at the mercy of a somewhat contrived script. Darin went on to far better things in his tragically short life, while beautiful Stevens was mostly typecast in the Monroe vain. Veteran cinematographer Lionel Linden captures it all beautifully in gorgeous B/W - with some well known jazz muso's playing the score by respected David Raksin.
These limited interest productions seem to attract attention from people who believe that 'less is more' or would-be movie-makers who hide behind minimalism as an 'art' form. Cassavetes went on to making films with his drinking buddies - most of these productions looked like they were sponsored by Alcohol and Cigarette companies. Everybody constantly drank and smoked, they also tended to feature pack shots and labels blatantly facing camera wherever possible (John, sadly was an alcoholic and chain smoker and these addictions eventually contributed to his death, way too early)
If you can last the distance you might just be eligible to become a new fan. The Olive label is to be commended for making it available in such a fine quality DVD transfer.