Follow Me Home! A Journey Through Gritty 1970s New York and the Moral Ambiguities of Face

Released in 1976, “Face,” directed by the visionary John Cassavetes, is a film that transcends genre conventions and delves into the murky depths of human motivation. While often categorized as a neo-noir crime drama, “Face” defies easy labeling, offering instead a raw, unfiltered portrait of desperation, ambition, and the slippery slope of moral compromise in the gritty underworld of 1970s New York City.

The Plot: A Face Forged in Deception

“Face” unfolds with unsettling immediacy. We meet Jimmy “Face” (played with captivating intensity by John Cassavetes himself), a small-time crook who, after botching a robbery and sustaining severe facial injuries, undergoes reconstructive surgery. Emerging from the bandages with a new visage – literally a “new face” – Jimmy sees an opportunity for reinvention.

He abandons his criminal past (at least temporarily) and adopts a seemingly respectable identity. But old habits die hard, and the allure of quick money and revenge draws him back into the underworld. He becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme orchestrated by one-time mentor Max (played with steely menace by Ben Gazzara), a ruthless mobster who promises Jimmy a cut of the profits in exchange for his participation in a heist.

As the plot thickens, “Face” explores the disintegration of moral boundaries as Jimmy grapples with the consequences of his choices. He finds himself increasingly isolated, caught in a web of deceit and double-crosses. The film culminates in a tense and suspenseful climax that leaves the audience questioning the very nature of identity and redemption.

A Cast of Complex Characters

The success of “Face” hinges on its ensemble cast, who deliver compelling performances that breathe life into Cassavetes’s meticulously crafted characters:

Cassavetes, the film’s director and star, portrays “Face” with a raw vulnerability that makes him simultaneously repellent and sympathetic. Ben Gazzara delivers a chillingly convincing performance as Max, a charismatic yet ultimately soulless mobster who manipulates those around him for his own gain. Gena Rowlands, Cassavetes’s real-life wife, brings depth and humanity to Sue, a woman drawn into the dangerous orbit of Jimmy “Face,” despite knowing the risks involved.

Themes: Morality in the Maze

Beyond its thrilling plot, “Face” delves into profound themes that resonate with audiences even today:

• The Illusion of Identity: The film’s title itself is a metaphor for the fluidity and malleability of identity. Jimmy’s physical transformation through surgery becomes a symbolic representation of his attempt to shed his past and forge a new life. But ultimately, he discovers that true change comes from within, not from superficial alterations.

• The Price of Ambition: Driven by a desire for wealth and recognition, Jimmy embarks on a path that leads him further into the abyss. The film exposes the seductive nature of ambition, highlighting how it can blind individuals to the consequences of their actions.

• The Fragility of Trust: As “Face” unfolds, betrayals abound. Characters manipulate and deceive each other, revealing the fragility of trust in a world where self-preservation reigns supreme.

Production Features: Cassavetes’s Unique Vision

John Cassavetes was known for his groundbreaking approach to filmmaking. He rejected conventional Hollywood formulas, opting instead for a more improvisational and naturalistic style. “Face” embodies this aesthetic sensibility, capturing the raw energy and spontaneity of life on the streets.

The film is characterized by its gritty realism, handheld camerawork, and often-improvised dialogue. Cassavetes encouraged his actors to bring their own experiences and emotions to their roles, resulting in performances that are both authentic and emotionally resonant.

“Face” may not be a conventional cinematic experience, but it is undoubtedly a powerful and unforgettable one. Through its exploration of complex themes, its unforgettable characters, and its uncompromising vision, Cassavetes’s masterpiece leaves a lasting impression on the viewer long after the credits roll. It serves as a reminder that beneath the surface of even the most hardened criminal lies a yearning for redemption and connection – a human longing that transcends time and genre.