About A Woman Under the Influence

Directed by John Cassavetes, "A Woman Under the Influence" is an intense portrayal of the impacts of mental illness on a family. It tells the tale of Mabel Longhetti, a wife and mother, who suffers from unidentified mental health problems, and her husband Nick, who tries to keep their family together despite the challenges.

Making / Production

The film was a labor of love for Cassavetes and his wife, Gena Rowlands, who plays Mabel in the movie. The project was initially intended as a play, but was later turned into a film. Despite facing several financial constraints, the team managed to release the film in 1974.

Actors

• Gena Rowlands as Mabel Longhetti - Rowland's fearless and at times frightening portrayal of a woman deep in the throes of mental illness won her critical acclaim.
• Peter Falk as Nick Longhetti - Falk nimbly navigates through being supportive, impatient, and angry while dealing with his wife's mental illness.
• Matthew Laborteaux as Angelo Longhetti - Laborteaux plays the quiet observer in the tumultuous Longhetti household.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was filmed in John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands’ actual house.
• It was initially funded by/through Peter Falk’s contributions who was truly passionate about the script.

Awards

"A Woman Under the Influence" was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Actress for Gena Rowlands and Best Director for John Cassavetes. Gena Rowlands also won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama.

Quotes

• "What do you want, miracles? Impossibilities?" - Mabel
• "I'm gettin' old, Mabel. Too old to play games." - Nick

• Bo Harwood, a frequent collaborator of Cassavetes, composed the understated and haunting score for the movie.