In this episode, I explore Gena Rowlands's raw and uncompromising performance as Mabel Longhetti in John Cassavetes's 1974 film, "A Woman Under the Influence." Mabel is a woman struggling with mental illness and coming apart in the midst of family turmoil. I talk about why Cassavetes's work was so groundbreaking and provide details about his and Rowlands's relationship. The heart of the episode is my in-depth analysis of Rowlands's acting in the film and why I think she gives one of the greatest performances of all time. I also talk about my recent move, my own struggle with mental illness, the suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, and I expand on my previous ideas about a Cinema of the Unruly Woman.
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Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan
Full show notes:
Listen to Episodes Mentioned:
More about the HBO documentary, A Dangerous Son
John Cassavetes Interviews and Research:
Gena Rowlands Interviews:
Terrence Malick's 'The Tree of Life' (2011)
Terrence Malick's 'Days of Heaven' (1978)
Michael Curtiz's 'Casablanca' (1942)
Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952)
Ang Lee's 'Brokeback Mountain' (2005)
Catherine Corsini's 'Summertime' (aka 'La Belle Saison') (2015)
Bong Joon-ho's 'Memories of Murder' (2003)
Roberto Rossellini's 'Journey To Italy' (1954)
Vittorio De Sica's 'Umberto D.' (1952)
Kelly Reichardt's 'Wendy and Lucy' (2008)
Dardenne brothers' 'Two Days, One Night' (2014)
Krzysztof Kieslowski's 'Three Colors: Blue' (1993)
Pablo Larrain's 'Jackie' (2016)
Agnès Varda's 'The Gleaners and I' (2000)
Nicolas Philibert's 'To Be and To Have' (2002)
Todd Haynes's 'Far From Heaven' (2002)
Todd Haynes's 'Safe' (1995)
Jane Campion's 'The Piano' (1993)
Maïwenn's 'My King' (2015)
Peter Webber's 'Girl With a Pearl Earring' (2003)
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