What’s My Take?

08Mar06

Saw Cassavetes’s “Love Streams” last night. I thought it was fantastic. Strange, with feverish dream sequences, but charming and moving.

Cassavetes starred as an alcoholic writer who sleeps around. Anna found him repugnant and slowly grew to like him but I was on-his-side from the beginning. He was sleazy, but there was something magnetic and alive about his performance that made him appealing even when he behaved so poorly. It was beautifully shot, too, with lots of play with focus and depth-of-field. It was a great way to kick off my relationship with the new Vancity Theatre.

Gena Rowlands was amazing as well, playing Cassavetes desperately ill sister. She played the role, which easily could have veered into parody, with such humanity and grace. Even scenes with barnyard animals were touching instead of just for a cheap gag. A wonderful, wonderful movie, even in its grimness.

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