A Woman Under the Influence
1974
****
Director: John Cassavettes
Cast: Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk, Fred Draper, Lady Rowlands, Katherine Cassavetes, Matthew Laborteaux, George Dunn, Mario Gallo, Eddie Shaw, Angelo Grisanti
Mabel is a housewife and mother of three whose erratic behavior and emotional instability begin to worry her husband Nick, himself a violently explosive man. John Cassavettes' long but powerful drama explores mental illness and societal expectations. This is an extremely raw and intrusive film that doesn't invite repeated viewing. Gena Rowlands gives a terrific lead performance.
