(1929 – 1989) Multi-talented actor turned independent director in 1960. Dissatisfied with Hollywood, his films define a rugged style both cinematically and emotionally His handheld camera, long takes, improvisation, emotional themes often dealing with love and marriage, and personal vision permeate films like A Woman under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980), both starring his wife Gina Rowlands. Cassavetes became a pioneer for independent, personal film-making before its apotheosis in the 1990s. His son Nick (1959–) has followed him as a director.