Review of Faces (1968) by John S — 23 Apr 2011

It is not quite in the category of a best film ever made, where some crictics place it. But it is still a must-see film. It's a little tedious for the first 15 minutes or so, but then the drama builds, and it's actually very difficult to watch at times.

While many say the 'cinema-verite' style John Cassevetes used is what makes the film great, I'd argue that the strength of the script and the performances by the small cast he was able to assemble are really the best thing about the film.

Some of the scenes have not dated well at all. A scene in a 'go go bar' must look absolutely ridiculous to anyone under 30. You also can't help but notice that in virtually every scene in the movie someone is pouring a scotch or lighting up a cigarette.

I kept thinking that it's amazing anyone from that era is even still alive as the count of scotches downed and packs of cigarettes smoked keeps rising.