On August 14, 2024, the world lost iconic American actress Gena Rowlands. Over the course of a distinguished and respected career, Rowlands won four Emmys and two Golden Globes. However, what immortalized Gena Rowlands in cinema were her extraordinary performances in the films directed by her husband, actor and director John Cassavetes.
A pioneer of American independent cinema, Cassavetes broke with Hollywood narrative conventions with his emotionally intense works.
His films prioritized improvisation and creative freedom, allowing both him and his actors to explore new forms of expression. Gena Rowlands was his greatest muse, collaborating on films that became cinematic milestones.
To celebrate the legacy of this legendary actress, we’ve created a list of seven films that capture the essence of her talent and contribution to cinema.
Gena Rowlands: Best Movies
A Woman Under the Influence (1974)
Written and directed by John Cassavetes, “A Woman Under the Influence” features one of Gena Rowlands’ most memorable performances.
In the film, she plays Mabel, a woman with mental health problems and unusual behavior. Her condition affects her overworked husband (Peter Falk) and her children. Rowlands received an Oscar nomination for her performance.
Opening Night (1977)
Gena Rowlands plays Myrtle Gordon in “Opening Night,” a renowned stage actress. However, after witnessing the death of a young fan, Myrtle enters a deep psychological crisis. She begins to reject the role of an older woman and begins to have visions of the dead young woman.
The film is written and directed by John Cassavetes, who also stars alongside Ben Gazzara, Joan Blondell, Paul Stewart and Zohra Lampert.
Another film directed by John Cassavetes on the list, “Glória” is a drama with elements of suspense and crime. In the plot, a boy’s family is killed by the mafia.
However, the boy counts on the reluctant protection of his neighbor Glória (Gena Rowlands), the ex-girlfriend of one of the mobsters. Pursued by the gangsters, Glória and the boy escape. For her performance in that film, Rowlands received her second Oscar nomination.
John Cassavetes writes, directs and stars with his wife Gena Rowlands in “Lovers,” one of his most acclaimed films. The story follows two siblings, Robert (Cassavetes) and Sarah (Rowlands), who face deep personal crises and try to help each other.
Sarah is an emotionally unstable woman dealing with a difficult separation and the loss of custody of her daughter. Robert is an alcoholic writer who lives a wild life.
Written and directed by Woody Allen, “The Other” is a drama film starring Gena Rowlands. In the film, Rowlands plays a philosophy professor who rents an apartment to quietly write a new book.
However, she overhears conversations in the next apartment, which is a psychoanalysis studio. The confessions of a desperate woman (Mia Farrow) touch her deeply.
An anthology directed by Jim Jarmusch, “One Night on Earth” features five stories that take place in different cities around the world. Set on the same night, each storyline revolves around a taxi driver and his passengers.
In one segment, Winona Ryder plays a tomboyish taxi driver who goes on the run for a Hollywood executive, played by Gena Rowlands.
Directed by Nick Cassavetes, son of John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands, “The Notebook” is a love story based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams play two young lovers who face obstacles in their romance in the 1940s.
However, the story is told through flashbacks. In the present, an elderly man played by James Garner reads a diary to his Alzheimer’s-stricken wife, played by Gena Rowlands.
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
