"A Constant Forge" is a highly insightful documentary on the films of John Cassavetes, as told by friends, collaborators and admirers with some wonderful backstage footage thrown in for good measure.(Note to self: get around to watching "Faces" one of these… More
"A Constant Forge" is a highly insightful documentary on the films of John Cassavetes, as told by friends, collaborators and admirers with some wonderful backstage footage thrown in for good measure.(Note to self: get around to watching "Faces" one of these decades.) Much light is shed on his process which combined a great deal of structured writing, prominent use of non-professional actors and on set improvisation to create a naturalism that was much at odds with the artifice of Hollywood. His style has inspired many a filmmaker since, some of whom sadly lacking the necessary sympathy towards their characters.
For better or for worse, "A Constant Forge" ends up mimicking the structure of a typical Cassavetes film in its rambling format.(To be fair, the documentary is much longer than an average Cassavetes film and is therefore perfect for a long train ride.) And even then, little information is given on Cassavetes' own life. He is born; emigrates from Greece at the age of 11; marries Gena Rowlands; makes a handful of movies and dies from cirrhosis of the liver. For example, I would have loved to have heard how he met Peter Falk and Ben Gazzara, two established actors by the time they started to act in his films.
