A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  155 Minutes (Criterion Edition: 147 Minutes)

Rated: AA (R)

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: John Cassavetes

Starring: Gena Rowlands, Peter Falk, Fred Draper, Lady Rowlands, Matthew Cassel, Christina Grisanti

IMDB Rank: 8.1/10

Part 1 Time: N/A Minutes (Criterion Edition: 99 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: N/A Minutes (Criterion Edition: 48 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Nick Longhetti (Peter Falk) tucks in his children for the night following their day together at the beach.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Lay down in bed with me,” Maria Longhetti (Christina Grisanti) asks her dad.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Hey Nick, Come on!” a coworker shouts as Nick finishes his shift at the construction site.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Mabel Longhetti (Gena Rowlands) has been sent to the asylum to help treat her mental breakdown. Nick is now forced to take on full parental duties for their three children. Will Mabel be able to recover or will her struggles with mental illness overtake her?

Which part is better? Part one documents the Longhetti family dynamics and Mabel’s progression into serious mental illness, causing her to not only put herself in danger, but also her children. Part two picks up six months later into the story as Mabel returns from the asylum. Gena Rowlands is superb in both parts of the film with part one really showing the struggles of Mabel as well as her husband Nick, who no matter the circumstance always does right by his family.

Academy Awards: Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Gena Rowlands), Best Director (Nominated)