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:
Pete Travis's 'The Go-Between' (2015)
Patricia Cardoso's 'Real Women Have Curves' (2002)
Nancy Savoca's 'Dogfight' (1991)
An Interview with Leon Lee on 'Letter From Masanjia' (2018)
François Ozon's 'Under the Sand' (2000)
Jem Cohen's 'Museum Hours' (2012)
Robert Wise's 'The Haunting' (1963)
Alejandro Amenábar's 'The Others' (2001)
John Cromwell's 'The Enchanted Cottage' (1945)
Lynne Ramsay's 'Morvern Callar' (2002)
Carol Morley's 'Dreams of a Life' (2011)
Jessica Hausner's 'Lourdes' (2009)
'Sharp Objects' Recap - Ep 7 and 8
Wong Kar-wai's 'In the Mood for Love' (2000)
David Lean's 'Brief Encounter' (1945)
'Sharp Objects' Recap - Ep 5 and 6
James Ivory's 'Maurice' (1987)
'Sharp Objects' Recap - Ep 3 and 4
Ingmar Bergman's 'Autumn Sonata' (1978)
Ingmar Bergman's 'Wild Strawberries' (1957)
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