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Shadows (12A)

Bebop New York

,Barbican Cinema 3
Shot of man with cigarette

John Cassavetes’ directorial debut bottles the excitement of 50s bohemian New York – all late-night parties, smoky nightclubs and existentialist chat.

The story revolves around an interracial romance between Leila, a light-skinned black woman, and Tony, a white man. When Tony meets Leila’s darker-skinned jazz singer brother Hugh at a party, and discovers her racial heritage is not what he thought, suddenly the relationship is thrown into crisis.

Often credited as the first true American indie, Shadows was shot on location with a cast of novice actors from Cassavetes’ drama workshop using a script developed from their improvisations. All this, the jumpy editing, free-focus camerawork and riffs from Charlie Mingus and Shafi Hadi on the soundtrack, give the film a raw, spontaneous feel entirely unlike the Hollywood movies of the time.

Tagged with: Cinema Multibuy: Bebop New York Bebop New York

US 1959 Dir John Cassavetes 82 min 35mm presentation

The Bebop New York film season accompanies the major exhibition Lee Krasner: Living Colour in the Art Gallery from 30 May – 1 Sep 2019.

Please arrive promptly at the advertised start time

Proof of ID may be requested on entry to films, in compliance with BBFC ratings

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Barbican Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.