This is a sparse movie, with the weight of the drama being shown rather than said. The characters portrayed are all very rich and believable, each having a distinct personality. The dialog seemed mostly ad-lib. I felt that the pacing of the film, the rhythm of the scenes, to be a little chaotic. This made it a challenge to stay absorbed, but ultimately worthwhile. I didn't find the garage scene as tense as it should have seemed. Did the second gangster die? The story resolves fittingly, with the ends all loose and untidy. The future is bleak, just as the present is. I saw the 1978 cut. I don't know if I will watch the 1976 version. This was my first Cassavetes film. I would recommend it if you don't want to trust gangsters.