Review of A Woman Under the Influence (1974) by Blake P — 09 Oct 2011

These NF reviewers here are morons! "A Woman Under the Influence" one of the most daring and well acted movies of all time! Nick (Falk) is an Italian-American married to Mabel (Rowlands), and they live in middle-class New York with their three kids.

They live an ordinary life, but Mabel's mental state is starting to go down after drinking hard on lonely nights. Nick becomes concerned, and soon calls the doctor to have Mabel get "fixed".

But when she gets back from the doctor, things aren't as harmonious as hoped. "A Woman Under the Influence" is a movie that makes you mad. The whole plot is intense, and director John Cassavates makes you watch every little detail no matter how hard it is to watch, from the fighting to the effects that it has on the family, and there isn't a happy ending either.

Cassavates, cinema's most influential independent filmmaker is one of the most underrated figures in the movie business. He was of course, a phenomenal director, but he was also a great actor and writer, but nobody seems to know that.

I think that "A Woman Under the Influence", "Rosemary's Baby" (in which he acted), and "Faces" are the three films that keep him remembered. All of the films he made were daring, but this just might be the most of all.

Yes yes, mental illness had been filmed before, but it was always just glossy Hollywood style, but because Cassavates is so anti, he throws away the glitz and glamor by using cheap cameras, regular looking costumes and sets, and keeps the lines fresh and real.

It seems in all of his films he has been able to do this, and that's why his films make such an impression on filmmakers today. But Rowlands also inspired many actresses with her performance, which is what we have to remember.

We've all seen crazy played in different ways, but all I can say is is that when you see Gena do it, it's the real deal. Period. "A Woman Under the Influence" is one of my personal favorite films.

Recommend.