3. Mabel Longhetti - A Woman Under The Influence (1974)
A two and a half hour emotional juggernaut of a film, director Cassavetes succeeds in painting a realistic and gruelling account of one woman's mental illness. It is hard to condemn or dislike Mabel. She is good fun, witty and has a zest for life. Unfortunately this zest often lands her in trouble, principally with her husband Nick who thinks mental illness is just misbehaviour and who is emotionally stunted, using a loud shouty voice to try and improve the situation when Mabel 'plays up'. Nick has Mabel committed to an asylum whenever her mania reaches titanic proportions. When she comes home, she is forced into making polite conversation with friends, family and acquaintances. The world is simply not big enough to contain Mabel and her foibles. She is straight jacketed by the need to act out society's roles as wife and mother. Her husband is as emotionally damaged as she is but is not deemed mentally ill. I felt sorry for the kids. But I admire both Gena Rowland's portrayal of Mabel immensely. She is often accused of over acting in this film but i have seen real life manic depressives who make Mabel look like a quiet mouse. A harrowing film to watch, but infinitely rewarding.