A Woman Under the Influence

How should I behave so that others consider me, an exemplary mother and wife, to be normal? That’s a banal question, but try to act it out. I’m interested in knowing what kind of environment the director grew up in, as the absolutely unrelenting arguments that he has filmed are as authentic as a home video (which is due in part to the intrusive camera, which makes it difficult for us to find our bearings in the space by shooting close-ups of faces, which is a signature aspect of Cassavetes’s style). The actors are largely to thank for this. Falk is perfectly typecast in the role of a simple guy. The self-destructive use of Gena Rowlands, who is as fragile inside – despite some powerful gestures – as the bonds she tries to forge with the world around her, is impossible to just coldly watch, even if you reject her character as such. Those around her perceive her as a headcase, without anyone bothering to address the causes of her erratic behaviour. Unspoken concerns and the fear of facing problems head-on depress the direct participants (in quarrels) and disturb the passive witnesses, which naturally does not lead to a solution. It is fascinating and exhausting to watch psychologically tense situations for two and a half hours, but it is impossible not to question the meaning of it all. Extraordinary cruelty? Ordinary sadism? 85% (24/07/2016)

"Under the Influence" is a very intense movie, but not only because of the great performances, but also because of the incredible direction, where John Cassavetes was able to enhance every moment you watch on the screen unbelievably. What may seem like a regular dinner turns into a psychological drama in his rendition, from which you want to escape. This film will leave a strong impression on you. (02/10/2015)