Review of Love Streams (1984) by Eric R — 12 Jul 2009

John Cassavetes last film could actually be his best film. There are parts of this film that remind me of Minnie and Moskowitz, Faces, Killing of a Chinese Bookie, etc. Its a film about a brother and sister, both played to perfection by Rowland and Cassavetes, whom are just whom would be classified as good people.

Robert (Cassavetes) is a full blown alcoholic whom needs multiple woman in his bed nightly. He is a horrible father, and we still are absolutely fascinated with him, and in fact; care for him. Sarah (Rowland), has just gone through a divorce and lost custody of her kid.

She is in a poor mental state, because she believes love is continuous and never dies; which leads to her downright disorientation and mental anguish. Cassavetes uses these characters to explore love, family and really just life in general.

In a less capable directors hands we would have just hated these characters; they would have been shallow and one dimensional but not with Cassavetes behind the wheel. The reason this very well could be my favorite Cassavetes is how Love Streams is surreal and even experimental compared to his previous work.

The dream sequences are powerful and downright hypnotizing. Just another masterpiece by maybe the best director, when it comes to relationship drama, of all time.