A Quick Introduction

Hello Everyone!

I would like to start off my introducing myself.  My name is Rachel, I’m a Bronx native, and I have recently graduated with degrees in English and Film Studies.  Like everyone else, I love film and television.  My love of coffee came from all-nighters during my undergraduate years.  The first movie that gave me the "itch" for film studies was Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull, which I first viewed in my twelfth grade Survey of Film class.  However, my interest in writing and directing became full-fledged during my college Creative Writing, Film Criticism, and Independent Cinema classes.  Those three along with other English and Film classes provided me with my awakening.  Though I may be a little late in the game, I say, better late than never. ;).

 Here's a quick look at the film that provided my "re-awakening."

 A Woman Under the Influence (1974) directed by the pioneer of indie film, and one of my favorite filmmakers, John Cassavetes.

Gena Rowlands (above) as Mabel Longhetti in, A Woman Under The Influence (1974), (photo courtesy of www.criterion.com).

I shared one of the films that captured me.  Are there any films that you find yourself watching repeatedly? Or any that really "got" you?  Also, I'm open to suggestions for improving my blog.  This is my first, so be gentle ;)

This Cassavetes film is one of my favorites because of the story and camera work.  As a viewer, I can’t help but be intrigued by Mabel and even more by those who react to her behavior.  It makes us wonder are the things we see in front of us strange, or do we only  perceive them to be.  Not only is the story captivating, but the acting from Rowlands and Peter Falk (as husband Nick Longhetti), and Cassavetes’ directing is phenomenal.  He definitely crosses the cinematic and cultural codes that audiences are used to seeing.  I would highly recommend this. Enjoy!