Question 1

True or false: Cassavetes' film 'Faces' was shot in his own home to save money.

Accepted Answer

True. He used his house and those of friends as locations, a common tactic in his guerrilla filmmaking style.

Question 2

True or false: Cassavetes acted in over 50 films, including 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Dirty Dozen'.

Accepted Answer

True. He was a prolific character actor, appearing in major studio films alongside his independent work.

Question 3

True or false: Cassavetes' debut feature 'Shadows' was shot on a budget of just $40,000.

Accepted Answer

True. Made for around $40,000, it was a landmark of American independent cinema, funded by friends and family.

Question 4

True or false: John Cassavetes was nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for 'A Woman Under the Influence'.

Accepted Answer

True. He was nominated for Best Director, making him one of the few indie filmmakers to earn that honor in the 1970s.

Question 5

True or false: Cassavetes founded the first film distribution company run entirely by actors.

Accepted Answer

False. He co-founded Faces Distribution, but it was not the first; other actor-led distributors existed earlier.

Question 6

True or false: Cassavetes deliberately never used a script, preferring total improvisation on set.

Accepted Answer

False. He wrote detailed scripts but allowed improvisation during rehearsals; final takes often stuck to his written dialogue.

Question 7

True or false: Cassavetes wrote and directed 'The Killing of a Chinese Bookie' in just one continuous take.

Accepted Answer

False. No, it's a multi-scene film; the myth likely stems from its raw, improvisational style.

Question 8

True or false: Cassavetes was banned from the Academy Awards for life after a public outburst.

Accepted Answer

False. No such ban occurred; he remained a member and continued to attend ceremonies occasionally.

Cassavetes Trivia Questions