Faces

I think this one of Nick Cassavetes earlier films. It was released in 1968.

The film concerns the exploits of a wealthy American couple. John Marley plays an advertising guy, while his wife (Lynn Carlin) stays at home. The film takes the form of a series of episodes in which the two main characters diverge down different roads. Marley's character is seen partying with friends and visiting a prostitute (Gena Rowlands, Cassavetes wife), an escape from his meaningless life. The advertising business is traditionally seen as an evil profession in film, and it seems inevitable that Marley is unsatisfied by his work. He goes home to his wife, a burgeoning alcoholic, and tells her he wants a divorce. The wife is similarly disillusioned and the film shows that both characters are set on a path of self destruction. American Beauty would be a valid contemporary companion piece; a mid-crisis engulfing a married couple and the failure of the American dream. It's a well worn theme but Cassavetes film is much more potent than others.

I suppose the most interesting thing about the film is the way it is set out and the construction of the scenes. There are only about 5 or 6 locations in the whole film. The film is a collection of extended scenes featuring long takes. At the prostitute's home for example, Marley and his friend/business partner are joking and playing around with Rowland's character, attempting skits and falling over. The action seems refreshingly real; Cassavetes style seems to be brief the actors on the scenes and then let them improvise. Thus long takes, sometimes inaudible dialogue but a few special moments and some great interaction between the actors. The film would fall spectacularly flat if it wasn't for the flawless performances on show. Marley is a silver fox, desperate and disillusioned, trying to inject some fun into his existence but falling upon menial vices. Rowlands is very good as the 'voluptuous' seductress, balancing the line between aloof and vunerable. But for me the standout performance is Carlin as the suffering wife. Much of her performance is based on subtle facial nuances and eye contact. Like Marley, she engages feebly with sex and drugs to numb the pain, but I felt the most sympathy for her plight, due to Carlins performance.

The film is shot in black and white and with an intrusive hand held camera bringing the audience closer to the action and capturing the improvisational tone. Very humane, very engaging and very well shot.

8/10