When you think of some of the most underrated films, you automatically think of Charles Laughton's The Night of the Hunter, Alexander Mackendrick's Sweet Smell of Success, and then there's John Cassavetes' Shadows. One of the hallmarks of independent cinema. This was probably the first film that introduced me to the indie film circuit, and I loved it ever since.

The film revolves around interracial relations, which was considered to be a very taboo subject during the late 50s, of what we still like to call it: The Beat Generation.

The story concerns beautiful Lelia Goldoni portrays Lelia (respectively), a light-skinned African-American woman, living in New York City with her two brothers, one of them is also light-skinned, who falls for Tony (Anthony Ray), a white man. Just when the relationship becomes serious, and more developed, along comes Hugh (Hugh Hurd), Lelia's dark-skinned, gifted, and struggling jazz singer. Afterwards, the relationship takes the turn for the worse when Tony learns the shocking truth about Lelia's real racial background.

I'm sure you've heard this story before, but it has never been told in such a way, where the backdrops, music, and characters really come together with such raw emotion, and sheer realism. If you were to film a movie about this type of racial intimacy today, it probably wouldn't come close to this masterpiece.

The new Criterion re-issue duplicates everything from the original version that was apart of the John Cassavetes' Five Films Box Set.


Presentation
Being a film from the 50s, Shadows could probably be considered a little dated, but with the new digital transfer, it seems like you will be seeing for the first time, because it has a new Dolby Digital 5.1 mono soundtrack. Criterion basically has just given the film a more brighter, sharper, and more striking film detail. You just can't go wrong with this kind of quality of film.

Extras
Video interviews with actress Lelia Goldoni and associate producer Seymour Cassel: two separate, but great segments where they each talk the making of the film, working with Cassavetes, and their success from it.

Rare silent 16 mm footage of John Cassavetes and Burt Lane's acting workshop: exclusive short where various actors rehearsed in the Workshop that was founded by Cassavetes & Lane. (4:15)

Restoration demonstration: Comparing the original theatrical version to the new digitally remastered version

Stills gallery: a collage featuring rare, and gorgeous behind-the-scenes production photos, as well as the actors, and the director.

Rounding out the supplements are the usual theatrical trailer, and a booklet featuring film critic Gary Giddins' essay, and a rare article by Cassavetes, from 1961.

Final Thought
A once-in-a-lifetime cinematic experience that challenges you every step of the way, despite it's brief running time of 1 hour 21 minutes. But those equal 1 hour 21 minutes of absolute brilliance.