Drama
United States of America
A Woman Under the Influence is a 1974 American drama film written and directed by John Cassavetes. The film stars Gena Rowlands as Mabel Longhetti, a housewife struggling with mental illness, and Peter Falk as Nick, her blue-collar husband.
The film follows Mabel's deteriorating mental state and the effect it has on her family. She has frequent emotional outbursts and engages in erratic behavior. Nick becomes increasingly concerned for her well-being and decides to have her institutionalized. Their children struggle with the absence of their mother and the strain it puts on their family dynamic.
While in the institution, Mabel receives treatment from a well-meaning but inexperienced psychiatrist, Dr. Zepp. Despite her progress, Mabel's behavior continues to be unstable upon her release. She struggles to adjust back into her family life and Nick's frustration with her behavior grows.
The film explores themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of overwhelming emotional turmoil. Rowlands received critical acclaim for her performance and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film is considered a landmark in American independent cinema and is noted for Cassavetes' improvisational directing style.
