A Woman Under the Influence
Seen it?1974 | 155 min | Drama, Romance
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (89% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention, it made about 12 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's long: 2 hr 35 min.
- Made in 1974: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 88 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 3 more Golden Globes and 1 WGA Award. Plus 5 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$12 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 264K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Cassavetes
- Gena RowlandsMabel Longhetti
- Peter FalkNick Longhetti
- Fred DraperGeorge Mortensen
- Lady RowlandsMartha Mortensen
- Katherine CassavetesMargaret Longhetti
- Matthew LabyorteauxAngelo Longhetti
- Matthew CasselTony Longhetti
- Christina GrisantiMaria Longhetti
- George DunnGarson Cross
- Mario GalloHarold Jensen