Today marks the 78th birthday of John Cazale, an actor whose legacy resonates with undeniable power: for only starring in The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Deer Hunter, his is the only oeuvre to consist solely of films nominated for Best Picture, to say nothing of their status as widely recognized classics in their own right. Unfortunately, Cazale passed away nearly a year before the release of Michael Cimino‘s Vietnam-centered drama — leaving us with an essentially perfect résumé that most would, nevertheless, desperately hope to have seen expanded for years and decades to come.

To properly celebrate a thespian who, in many respects, was every bit the equal of co-stars De Niro and Pacino, HBO Documentary Films commissioned I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale, a 40-minute documentary combining footage of his best-known performances with current testimonies from Cazale‘s own collaborators. In remarkably economic fashion, the most essential pieces of his life and seven-year career are dissected by director Richard Shepard, then further illuminated by a veritable list of interviewees. The rare tribute that’s as entertaining as it is touching.

Have a view below:

Does I Know It Was You properly highlight the accomplishments of Cazale?

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