John Cassavetes: Five Films (Criterion Collection)

Five-disc set of the father of American independent film's groundbreaking works includes "Shadows" (1959), Cassavetes' directorial debut, starring Leila Goldoni as a light-skinned black woman whose romance with a white man (Anthony Ray) is threatened when he learns the truth; unhappily married salesman John Marley finds solace in the arms of prostitute Gena Rowlands in "Faces" (1968); as "A Woman Under the Influence" (1974), housewife Rowlands' struggle with mental illness leads husband Peter Falk to have her committed; strip club owner Ben Gazzara agrees to murder to pay off gambling debts in "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" (1976), seen here in its theatrical version and a 1978 re-edit; and stage actress Rowlands faces a mid-life crisis in "Opening Night" (1977). With Gazzara, Cassavetes. Also features the documentary "A Constant Forge" (2000). 11 hrs. total. Standard and Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; interviews; photo gallery; theatrical trailers; more.