The genre elements are mostly subterfuge because otherwise [Cassavetes would] basically be bleeding on the screen.

When Cassavetes is really cooking, even the moments that are awkward and forced can become electric.

With a heavily improvised script Cassavetes gets the most from his actors, each giving emotive performances.

[John Cassavetes] undercuts his own abilities with a passionate belief in non-structured cinema, meandering story lines, poor camerawork and overindulgent acting styles.