Minnie And Moskowitz (1971) Romantic Comedy Drama _ Starring Gena Rowlands, Seymour Cassel - Video

Minnie and Moskowitz is a 1971 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by John Cassavetes and starring his wife Gena Rowlands and Seymour Cassel in the title roles of Minnie and Moskowitz, respectively.

Minnie and Moskowitz

Directed byJohn CassavetesWritten byJohn CassavetesProduced byAl RubanStarringGena Rowlands
Seymour Cassel
Val Avery
Timothy Carey
Katherine Cassavetes
Lady Rowlands
John CassavetesCinematographyAlric Edens
Michael Margulies
Arthur J. OrnitzEdited byFrederic L. KnudtsonDistributed byUniversal Pictures

Release date

December 22, 1971

Running time

114 minutesCountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglishBudget$900,000

Plot

Seymour Moskowitz is an eccentric and uncouth parking attendant who has just moved from New York to Los Angeles. Minnie Moore is a museum curator in an abusive relationship with a married man named Jim. Following their fight, she becomes disillusioned with love and meaningful relationships. Minnie talks with a friend about getting older and her chances of finding the right man.

The next day, Minnie is set up on a blind date with a bitter and loudmouthed widower, Zelmo. The date goes badly and ends with Zelmo chasing her out of the restaurant. Seymour, working the parking lot, witnesses the commotion and enters into a physical altercation with Zelmo. Seymour wins the fight, bloodying Zelmo's face, and Zelmo drives away crying, stranding Minnie. Seymour offers to give her a ride, which she refuses, but he pursues her in his truck and forces her inside. He drives her to her workplace, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Jim is waiting inside with his son and ends the relationship, revealing that his wife has attempted suicide. Infuriated and hurt, Minnie slaps Jim.

Seymour appears at Minnie's house to confront her about costing him his job at the parking lot. He takes her to a bar for a drink and then proclaims his love for her at a hot-dog stand. He berates her for taking herself too seriously when she does not return his affections. After leaving Minnie, Seymour brings a lady to his apartment who stays overnight.

Seymour takes Minnie to an ice-cream parlor and a country/western bar. In the parking lot, they dance to the music and kiss. When Minnie fails to introduce Seymour to her wealthy friends on the way into the bar, he angrily drives away and strands her, just as Zelmo had done. A wealthy male friend drives her home, where Seymour is waiting. The men fight, injuring Minnie in the process.

Seymour brings Minnie inside to recover, where she admits that she does not see a future with Seymour. Insisting that they are meant for each other, he threatens to kill himself and then cuts his long moustache in a frenzy. Minnie finally agrees to marry him and tells her mother about the news. Minnie and Seymour go to dinner with their mothers, who are hesitant and dubious about the marriage. Seymour's mother calls him a "bum" and tells Minnie that she could do much better than her son. Minnie's mother is overwhelmed and nearly speechless at the abruptness of the news and Seymour's appearance and personality.

Minnie and Seymour marry, laughing as the minister forgets his lines and fumbles for his notes. A flashforward shows a sunny backyard birthday party, possibly for their own child.

Cast

Gena Rowlands as Minnie Moore

Seymour Cassel as Seymour Moskowitz

Val Avery as Zelmo Swift

Timothy Carey as Morgan Morgan (as Tim Carey)

Katherine Cassavetes as Sheba Moskowitz

John Cassavetes as Jim (uncredited)

David Rowlands as Minister

Alexandra Cassavetes as Young girl in ballet tutu (uncredited)

Zoe R. Cassavetes as Baby girl (uncredited)

Lady Rowlands as Georgia Moore

Holly Near as Irish

Judith Roberts as Wife

Kathleen O'Malley

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