Faces (1968)

Location: Home (DVD)
Seen Before: Yes
Rating: 5.0

I find getting through a Cassavetes film for the first time to be a trying, but never not worthwhile experience. You know you're observing something very special and entirely unique--that alone is usually what pulls me all the way through.

So with this second round of Faces, as I was able to completely take in just how stunning the performances are and--my favorite aspect of Cassavetes work--the remarkable passion behind his work. Lots of wonderful things have been said of the man and his work, and I think it all boils down to this enthusiasm that is constantly at the forefront of his art.

Faces may be one of the best acted films I have ever seen. One of the aspects I look for in terms of judging a performance is completely forgetting that you're watching one--everything seems so natural that you never once think about the performer, but only see them as the character they're portraying. Faces is one of the best examples of this.

Looking over the notes I made after first seeing this about eight months ago, I was pretty confused by the whole thing. I appreciated it, but hadn't yet fallen in love. Now I've got a big crush on Faces, and it's only going to get worse.