Review of A Woman Under the Influence (1974) by Scott B — 26 Apr 2012

I understand the reasons why ppl love this film and the innovative film making of Cassevetes. But it's such a hard slog. I had to watch it over three individual sittings (I wonder if this itself is a reflection of the times etc etc) and by the end I was mostly glad that I had made it through.

I was introduced to this film as a text in an English Literature course on postmodernism - and as an example of documentation of everyday life rich with intertextuality (operatic especially poignant) it certainly is a prime example of po-mo film making originating in the 70's.

Perhaps it is the 70's temporality that I just can't connect with (weird that - being a product of the 70's myself!). I had similar problems with lack of interest, connection and pacing with "Dog Day Afternoon".

Watch it and be prepared to love it or just be a little underwhelmed.