SHADOWS at the Paramount

This film, considered by some to be the first indie, is a 1959 view of a raw NY.  The Beat generation hanging out in Times Square coffee shops, midtown streets and unrenovated apartments making their way as jazz musicians and trying to understand their creative contemporaries.   John Cassavetes is a native New Yorker and a graduate of the American Academy of Arts.  He treated acting and filmmaking creatively and made this film twice:first with students and then with actors.  This is mostly an improvised black/white film.  It deals with race honestly between a young couple  (the woman is light skinned and is thought to be white)and the young woman's brothers.  Words are used rather than fists or weapons.  The dialogue is poignant and heart wrenching.  The acting true and authentic.  Another good night at the Summer classic film series.  A great intro by Jesse Trussell.  His enthusiasm for these films is contagious.  Terrific program notes each night as well.