Faces 2011
James Benning's Faces (2011) offers a radical reinterpretation of John Cassavetes's 1968 classic by stripping away its narrative layers to focus solely on the raw, unfiltered expressions of its cast.
Director: James Benning
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faces (2011) about?
Faces (2011) revisits John Cassavetes's 1968 drama by reconstructing it entirely through intimate, lingering close-ups of the actors' faces. Each scene mirrors the original's structure and duration, but the focus shifts from dialogue to the subtle, unspoken emotions etched on the characters' faces. It's a stripped-down, meditative experience that challenges viewers to find depth in restraint.
Who directed Faces?
Faces (2011) was directed by James Benning, a filmmaker known for his experimental and minimalist approach to cinema.
Who stars in Faces?
The main cast of Faces (2011) includes John Marley, Gena Rowlands, Lynn Carlin, and Seymour Cassel, reprising their roles from the original film.
Is Faces (2011) worth watching?
Faces (2011) is a niche but fascinating experiment for fans of slow cinema and film history. Its unique approach to found footage and its fidelity to the original make it a must-see for cinephiles, though casual viewers may find its pacing challenging. The film's boldness and emotional depth justify the investment for those willing to engage with its unconventional style.
How long is Faces?
Faces (2011) has a runtime of 135 minutes.
About Faces (2011) — A Found-Footage Masterpiece of Raw Emotion
James Benning's Faces (2011) offers a radical reinterpretation of John Cassavetes's 1968 classic by stripping away its narrative layers to focus solely on the raw, unfiltered expressions of its cast. In this experimental found-footage remake, every shot is a deliberate close-up of an actor's face, mirroring the original film's scenes and screen time while immersing viewers in the emotional weight of each moment. The result is a hypnotic, meditative experience that transforms the 1960s drama into a modern meditation on intimacy, performance, and the passage of time. Benning's approach turns Faces (2011) into a visual puzzle, where the absence of traditional storytelling amplifies the power of subtle facial cues and unspoken tension.
Faces (2011) thrives on its stark simplicity, using Cassavetes's own structure to create a film that feels both nostalgic and avant-garde. The deliberate pacing and stark compositions invite audiences to read deeper into every glance and grimace, making it a compelling watch for fans of slow cinema and experimental filmmaking. Benning's dedication to fidelity—recreating scenes shot-for-shot with the same intensity—elevates this into more than just a remake; it's a dialogue between eras, a tribute to the art of acting, and a testament to the enduring impact of Cassavetes's vision.