A Woman Under the Influence
Mabel Longhetti, desperate and lonely, is married to a Los Angeles municipal construction worker, Nick. Increasingly unstable, especially in the company of others, she craves happiness, but her extremely volatile behavior convinces Nick that she poses a danger to their family and decides to commit her to an institution for six months. Alone with a trio of kids to raise on his own, he awaits her return, which holds more than a few surprises.
Critics Sentiment
Mabel cuts her hand with razor in bathroom
Nick cancels their date to fix a water main
The film rises from the mundane setup of cancelled plans to the devastating climax of Mabel's self-harm and the family's protective response.
Critics consistently praised Rowlands' fearless performance and Cassavetes' unflinching examination of mental illness and marriage. The film builds from strong character establishment through increasingly intense domestic crises, with reviewers finding the commitment sequence and final act particularly powerful. While some noted the film's demanding length and emotional brutality, most considered it a masterpiece of realistic filmmaking.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 32
Gena Rowlands
Mabel Longhetti
Peter Falk
Nick Longhetti
Fred Draper
George Mortensen
Lady Rowlands
Martha Mortensen
Katherine Cassavetes
Margaret Longhetti
Matthew Labyorteaux
Angelo Longhetti
Matthew Cassel
Tony Longhetti
Christina Grisanti
Maria Longhetti
George Dunn
Garson Cross
Mario Gallo
Harold Jensen
Eddie Shaw
Dr. Zepp
Angelo Grisanti
Vito Grimaldi
Charles Horvath
Eddie
James Joyce
Bowman
John Finnegan
Clancy
Vincent Barbi
Gino
Cliff Carnell
Aldo
Frank Richards
Adolph
Hugh Hurd
Willie Johnson
Leon Wagner
Billy Tidrow
Crew
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