Her Head in Films

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:

• House of Sand and Fog
• The Piano Teacher
• Vagabond
• Dog Lady and Notes on a Cinema of the Unruly Woman
• Wanda

More about the HBO documentary, A Dangerous Son

John Cassavetes Interviews and Research:

• Independent Magazine

Gena Rowlands Interviews:

• The Guardian
• Interview Magazine
• RogertEbert.com