Cassavetes Collection long overdue

Often described as the founding father of independent American cinema, John Cassavetes certainly carried the flag with some remarkable films.

Now The John Cassavates Collection (Optimum) brings together five of his best films, including Shadows, Faces, A Woman Under The Influence, The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie and Opening Night.

Themes explored include mental illness, marriage breakdown and other human failures, and they feature outstanding performances from, among others, Geena Rowlands (his wife) and Ben Gazarra.

The discs are accompanied by audio commentaries, an alternative opening scene (with Peter Bogdanovich commentary) and two versions of The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie.

Drama

Star rating: 4/5.