John Cassavetes (1929-1989), an American actor and director, was a pivotal figure in independent cinema.

His style was characterized by raw realism, improvisation, and a deep exploration of human psychology. He often shot with a handheld camera and natural light, focusing on relational dynamics and the vulnerabilities of ordinary characters, with particular attention to acting performances.

Among his most celebrated films are *Shadows* (1959), *Faces* (1968), and *Husbands* (1970). An emblematic work is *A Woman Under the Influence* (1974), starring his muse Gena Rowlands, a harrowing portrait of marital and mental crisis. Other significant works include *The Killing of a Chinese Bookie* (1976) and *Opening Night* (1977).

Cassavetes is remembered for his authentic and uncompromising approach to the human condition.