Raw and gritty and intense. Despite the lengthy running time, and lack of a progressive narrative, it's never less than compelling. Every character is fully fleshed out and so well-acted that the film tears along on its path, barely stopping to reflect or ponder, merely displaying its events and moving on. We're meant to read into these conversations, but not just yet. And on top of the terrific acting, Cassavetes' directing is stylish and symbolic without being overly showy or flashy. The final sequence on the staircase is brilliantly metaphorical and deeply moving. Cassavetes is a monster.