Cassavetes is called the first independent filmmaker. He was a very popular actor in the days of live TV and an acting teacher. He financed, wrote, directed, acted and even distributed his movies. His determination and dislike of the studios launched the independent scene in the 1960's and he pushed and guided film student Martin Scorsese into making Mean Streets.

A great biography was just published - Accidental Genius. A must read for any indie filmmaker.

Regarding Shadows: like most filmmakers, even Cassavetes needed to make money. You just might have to pay to watch his movies.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)