Cassavetes: Legacy of a Film Maker

Sheila Benson speaks eloquently of John Cassavetes, who died Feb. 3 (“Cassavetes Left His Imprint on a Generation of Film Makers,” Feb. 6). Fortunately for future generations, John’s art was films. He will remain alive as long as there are audiences willing to look, listen and learn.

A footnote to Benson’s moving memorial: Cassavetes was trusting and generous and shared his gifts with others freely, with often unexpected results.

For a novice director it seemed an impossible dream that John Cassavetes would star in my first film, a short comedy about a man getting a haircut. But John agreed, with certain qualifications, one of which was that the film be completed over one weekend, because he was to start a studio project the following Monday morning.

I threw myself into the work determined to stick with the rigid schedule and finish on time. But in every scene, John had more to offer than time would allow. We were telling a simple story, but when the camera rolled he added a level of emotion and truth that transcended the obvious. I felt as if we were writing the history of a man on the head of a pin.

The hours stretched long into the night and John’s enthusiasm kept everyone going. John laughed about the irony of a system in which we were willing slaves, yet few would be willing to hire us.

Finally Monday morning arrived and with it the frustration of several scenes still unshot. I was prepared to rethink the end of the story, but John said he had made a commitment to complete my film. With that, John shot the scenes, in one or two takes.

With no time to go home and dress for work, he left for the studio wearing only shorts, T-shirt and that wide wonderful grin. He left me with the understanding that his art was really his humanity.

TAMAR SIMON HOFFS

Malibu