Review of A Woman Under the Influence (1974) by Justin M — 27 Aug 2009
This film is amazing. Its unlike anything I've ever seen, Cassavetes' camera is literally a window into Nick and Mabel's lives, with all the complexities and human flaws of real life. Thinking about the movie I realized that Mabel really was never malicious in any sense, nor insane, just different.
But that didn't work for everybody else, and so she needed to be cured. But there are moments of true tenderness between Nick and Mabel when they are alone. Nick on the other hand is clearly a proud man and cares what others think about him, so he has to "fix" his marriage, when nothing is broken.
The film deals with public versus private lives and how we compromise to conform to others' standards. It would have been easy for Cassavettes to make Mabel insane and turn Nick into an asshole, but he doesn't pass judgment on his characters.
They are only human. Amazing performances from Falk and Rowlands just lend more credence to this fantastic work of art.
This review of A Woman Under the Influence (1974) was written by Justin M on 27 Aug 2009.
A Woman Under the Influence has generally received very positive reviews.
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