Middle-aged suburban husband Richard abruptly tells his wife, Maria, that he wants a divorce. As Richard takes up with a younger woman, Maria enjoys a night on the town with her friends and meets a younger man. As the couple and those around them confront a seemingly futile search for what they've lost -- love, excitement, passion -- this classic American independent film explores themes of aging and alienation.
Acting
Raw, unscripted-feeling performances that redefined screen acting.
Direction
Cassavetes' handheld intimacy invades private spaces.
Editing
Jagged cuts that refuse to let you look away.
Director
John Cassavetes
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Cassavetes mortgaged his house to finance this; the cast deferred salaries and shared profits.
This essentially invented American indie cinema—without it, no Safdie brothers, no mumblecore, no 'Marriage Story' meltdowns.
US
