Indiewire iconIndiewireSep 23, 2026

John Cassavetes Practically Invented the American Independent Film, but Some of His Best Movies Were Made for Studios

Half of the director's 12 features were financed and distributed by major studios, and some — like "Minnie and Moskowitz," screening next week at the New Beverly — are as uncompromising as his scrappiest indies.

John Cassavetes Practically Invented the American Independent Film, but Some of His Best Movies Were Made for Studios

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Half of the director's 12 features were financed and distributed by major studios, and some — like "Minnie and Moskowitz," screening next week at the New Beverly — are as uncompromising as his scrappiest...

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Half of the director's 12 features were financed and distributed by major studios, and some — like "Minnie and Moskowitz," screening next week at the New Beverly — are as uncompromising as his scrappiest indies.

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