Seymour Cassel's appearances in Cassavetes' films (Faces, Minnie and Moskowitz) prompted Alexander Rockwell to write the part of Joe in his comedy In the Soup (1992) specifically for him. The improvisation of Cassel (and the other actors) and Phil Parmet's black-and-white cinematography feel like a tribute to Cassavetes.

John Cassavetes' film output still stands as a monument in the independent canon. One of the first modern American filmmakers, Cassavetes shared many concerns with those of the French New Wave. In fact, he was the American New Wave, with one basic difference: Instead of bringing a critic's perspective to his films, as the French did (Godard and Truffaut were critics before embarking on directorial careers), Cassavetes brought an actor's understanding.

Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, was found dead at his Santa Monica condominium. He was 43. Santa Monica police discovered the actor's body at his first-floor residence around 4 p.m., Lt. Frank Fabrega said. There were no obvious signs of foul play, Fabrega said. Autopsy results were pending.

The paucity of Jewish-themed movies made by Jewish directors in the new indie cinema may be a result of the fact that Jewish humor has become integrated into the mainstream through the work of such prominent filmmakers and writers as Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Paul Mazursky, and Neil Simon. Of the younger generation of Jewish filmmakers, the most interesting figure is Albert Brooks, whose movies are studio-financed, but still manage to display a feisty independent spirit. The best of Brooks' bitingly personal satires revolve around Jewish yuppies.