Minnie and Moskowitz (1971, John Cassavetes)

The quintessential Hollywood romantic comedy-drama told through the rusty John Cassavetes grinder. I’m no fan of director Cassavetes and his methods but this strange film is an indisputable stroke of genius. Unlike most of the filmmaker’s productions, this film is always focused. It’s also a very funny movie. The courtship of Gena Rowlands and Seymour Cassel resembles the mating of two wild porcupines; one of the oddest, most bizarre screen couples that I’ve ever seen. But I dare you not to fall in love with these nutty characters. Both actors are superb. Rowlands looks so beautiful here! Val Avery is also memorable as an obnoxious rich man who has a blind date with Rowlands. Cassavetes appears as Rowlands’s married lover. It’s a great little film.

~ by gelpi2008 on Friday, June 27, 2008.