Love Streams

John Cassavettes' new film won't appeal to everyone, but should do well among art-film fans. The story follows a self-centered writer (Cassavettes), his flighty sister (Gena Rowlands), and their dealings with ex's and offspring. The plot (what there is of it) isn't particularly compelling, but the film has some genuinely affecting moments, especially with Rowlands. As a woman who's been dumped by her husband, she pleads "Love is a stream, it's continuous. You can't just cut it off." Later, her strong sense of family impels her to bring her single brother a few friends--two miniature ponies, a goat, a dog, various fowl; all accomplished with one shopping spree. Cassavettes, for his part, is quite convincing as a self- destructive romantic who literally fights off the possibility of breathing air with an incessant intake of cigarettes, alcohol, and women. A strange, but worthwhile film. Recommended. (R. Pitman)[DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Review—Aug. 26, 2014—Criterion, 141 min., PG-13, DVD: 2 discs, $29.95; Blu-ray/DVD Combo: 3 discs, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray and latest on DVD, 1984's Love Streams features an excellent transfer and an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on Blu-ray. Extras include audio commentary by writer Michael Ventura, the 1984 “making-of” documentary “I'm Almost Not Crazy…”—John Cassavetes: A Man and His Work by Michael Ventura (57 min.), a video essay on costar Gena Rowlands by film critic Sheila O'Malley (25 min.), interviews with cinematographer Al Ruban (19 min.) and costars Diahnne Abbott (13 min.) and Seymour Cassel (12 min.), a trailer, and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Dennis Lim and a 1984 New York Times piece by Cassavetes. Bottom line: Cassavetes' fans will appreciate this oddball drama, which shines on Blu-ray.]