Incredible. A wonderful portrait of two people, expertly acted, and incredibly dense and subtle - it's not even been half an hour and I've changed my thoughts about twenty times. Rowlands is fantastic - like a female Kinski in the way you're always drawn to what she's doing even when she's not the focus. Utterly draining, but a very true account of men and women and their roles in society. One of the absolute best films I've ever seen.

This film is a perfect example of why an editor is so important to a film. You could've cut nearly every scene of this and it would've had the same stupid impact. This film consists of: Peter Falk yelling threats at everyone, horrible cinematography and writing, and Rowlands giving one of the most over the top, ridiculous performances I've ever seen. It's one of these films that you have to say you like to seem intelligent but it's just not that interesting. Seriously, fuck this film

As a film-historical curiosity its an ok watch if you can stand the excruciatingly long running time and the forced drama. Biggest problems are the conflicts throughout the film, that come out of nowhere, for the sole purpose of having actors shout at each other for a while, 'till the conflict resolves itself for no apparent reason... The acting is almost schizophrenic, going from great to ham in sometimes seconds...

"Don't worry about me. I'm a grown-up. I'm fine." A terrifyingly real, dissonant duet between two of the most disturbingly sick yet recognizable characters ever. Despite coming in at what is, on paper, an absurd running time, the film is infused with a sense of dread and all-too-relatable anxiety that never lets up. Captures the maddening inscrutability that makes complex domestic problems so hard to solve. Messy and imperfect (would you really prefer the alternative?), but unforgettable.

It really is one of the best family dramas.

Powerful stuff. By this point Cassavetes has completely matured as a filmmaker, directing with a steadier hand while retaining his verite sensibilities. Immediately the tone of the marriage is established: they are deeply in love but there is misunderstanding dividing them. The frustration and tension are palpable, and each character is sympathetic in their own right. Frequent close-ups effectively reveal the intense gravity of each moment, and Falk and Rowlands deliver amazing performances.

160

Some of the scenes are puzzling, and the characters often frustrating, but I suppose that's the point. Great performance by Gena Rowlands.

Interesting attempt, however difficult to watch, at least for me. I appreciate the actors' skills, but I couldn't connect. I guess I need to watch it again some time.

I felt horribly claustrophobic and depressed throughout.

Cassavetes achieves a remarkable sense of improvisation with his acting troupe.

Rowlands delivers a masterful performance in her husband's wrenching drama. Cassavetes lets scenes run on, their length allowing for more revelation as characters gradually open up and conflicts play out to the point of discomfort. Crucially, the extra time brings more clarity to the ways in which Rowlands' character is playing a role, struggling against her own instincts by trying to act as normal as can be.

Unbelievable acting, the film has an uncanny ability to make the viewer feel frustrated and helpless, but also, most importantly, makes us consider and weigh what the film presents to us.

I expected something more emotionally overwrought, just based on the description and the much heralded "realism." Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by Cassavettes control of the film, both in its overall flow from scene to scene, and in the individual scenes themselves. The ending was beautifully rendered, the perfect quiet conclusion to balance the intense confrontation just before. The actors all do an excellent job, humanizing characters with easy to define faults.

misogynistic trash. yours sincerely, a chang cheh fan.

The major reason this movie is so good is the absolutely astonishing performance of Gena Rowlands as a working class woman going mad. She radiates charm and sensitivity, yet her oddness is so manifest and her pain so palpable, that she fills us simultaneously with pity and unease. Peter Falk is excellent too, showing love, concern and a complete lack of understanding. Well directed by Cassavetes, with great camera set-ups and movement, and a more disciplined approach to editing than usual.

I never knew Peter Falk could really act until I saw this film. A lot has been said already about Rowlands but Falk is equally as good as the insecure angry blue collar husband who doesn't know how to handle his ill wife or family. This is a fascinating portrait of dealing with a dysfunctional person while trying to tend to a normal life. The acting here is top notch and naturalistic. There were times I was actually uncomfortable because it felt too real.

I admire it greatly, but it leaves me cold.

i m shocked that how can it be possible that everybody rated highest scores.

"Our society does not wish to recognize itself in the ill individual whom it rejects or locks up; as it diagnoses the illness, it excludes the patient. The analyses of our psychologists and sociologists, which turn the patient into a deviant and which seek the origin of the morbid in the abnormal, are, therefore, above all a projection of cultural themes."

Deeply emotional and intense. Cassavetes knows how to film real people; it's realness and honesty is so vivid that the film becomes frustrating, but that only exemplifies how invested you can get in the film. The characters are perfectly acted; Peter Falk is amazing, and Gena Rowlands puts absolutely everything into her role. Hard to watch, but more than worthwhile.

This is what bipolarism looks like. This is the only film I've ever seen get it right. I was not as enamored with the second half of this film as I was with the pre-institutionalization half. I thought it dragged on a bit, and I found the dinner party ending a bit unsatisfactory. But that's picking nits. The first half of this film is damned near perfect. Is there a "best films about mental health" list out there? There should be, if only to accommodate this film.

#149

An unparalleled performance by Rowlands, and Falk's great too. It dragged a little at times and the focus issues were sometimes distracting (those that didn't seem to have a purpose, at least), but all in all, a fantastic film.

Sheeeit. Greatest American domestic drama? Probably. Rowlands is scary and perfect, and Falk's performance probably outshines hers. Cassavetes's style is one I tend to despise when attempted by other filmmakers, but for whatever reason it works for his movies. Incredible stuff.

i don't really want to review this movie cause i hated it, but i do want to say it wasn't gena rowland's fault.

Marvelous act by Gena Rowlands.

Rowlands is simply outstanding. One of the greatest performances in the history of cinema.