“Woman Under The Influence” is a 1974 drama film directed by John Cassavetes, which tells the story of a working-class family in Los Angeles and their struggles with mental illness.
The film opens with Mabel Longhetti (Gena Rowlands) waiting for her husband, Nick (Peter Falk), to come home from work. She’s excited to see him and greets him at the door affectionately. However, Nick is exhausted and agitated and reacts angrily to Mabel’s enthusiasm. This is the first indication that their marriage is far from ideal.
As the film progresses, we see Mabel’s erratic and unpredictable behavior. She has emotional outbursts and is often unable to control her emotions. Nick tries to be supportive, but he’s also frustrated and overwhelmed by Mabel’s behavior. He tries to control her by setting strict rules, which only exacerbates the situation.
Their relationship is further strained when Mabel invites a group of strangers into their home, and Nick is forced to confront the uncomfortable reality of his wife’s behavior. He later takes Mabel to see a doctor, but the doctor cannot diagnose her condition.
Mabel’s behavior worsens, and she’s eventually hospitalized after a violent incident. Mabel is ultimately released from the hospital, but her behavior doesn’t improve. Nick becomes increasingly frustrated with her, and their relationship breaks. In a heartbreaking scene, Mabel pleads with Nick not to leave her, but he’s unable to stay.
The film ends with Nick returning home and finding Mabel alone in the living room. They sit silently for a moment before Mabel asks Nick if he loves her. He responds, “I love you more than anything else in the world.” Mabel smiles, and the film ends.
Throughout the film, Cassavetes portrays the complexity of mental illness and its impact on the lives of those affected by it. He also explores the societal pressures placed on women, particularly in the context of marriage and motherhood. The film’s intimate, raw portrayal of Mabel’s struggles and the impact on her family garnered critical acclaim. It solidified Gena Rowlands’ reputation as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
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