Review of A Woman Under the Influence (1974) by Alexander J — 02 May 2009
Yes, the critics are right. An unbearable, long and cringeworthy movie. But still a must-see. Forget about the running time of 2 1/2 hours. Or the flukey camera set-ups. Or the sometimes poor picture quality.
Cassavetes basically re-filmed his own stage play. Experience one woman and her influence on the people around her - even when she's not around. Watch Gena Rowlands do a psycho and decide for yourself what to make of it.
It's one of the most tragic, yet real-life dramas ever to be done on the screen. You'll hate yourself for watching it, but you'll learn something from it in return. This isn't a movie, it's life unfolding in front of your eyes, as hard as reality can hit you.
You love and hate Peter Falk's character equally for how he copes with his psychotic wife. And you start to get an understanding for this woman under the influence. Off-putting and awkward in many ways, this movie gives humanity a face or two.
It's embarrassing. And yet embarrassingly healthy.
This review of A Woman Under the Influence (1974) was written by Alexander J on 02 May 2009.
A Woman Under the Influence has generally received very positive reviews.
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