This is John Cassavetes's first film, it's also the one that started the "Indie" phrase. At first you can immediatly tell the camera work, is much different then other films. Also the grainy black and white cinematography adds to the Beat feel of the film. I can definately see where Jim Jarmusch got his influence for Stranger Than Paradise, one of my favorite films. They is really not a "plot", at least not one like most films. It's about a women Lelia, who is very a light skinned African American. She meets Tony part of her brother Benny's gang he hangs with. This film is more about style and atmosphere, then plot. There is a little racial issue, but otherwise it's basically them just hanging out, smoking, drinking. I'm looking forward to much Cassavetes in my future.