Gena Rowlands, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 94, was widely considered one of the best actresses of her generation, known for her poignant portrayals of women in crisis. Her most revered performances came from her extensive and deeply creative collaboration with her husband, John Cassavetes, who was a director, writer, and actor. He gave her roles like the troubled housewife in “A Woman Under the Influence.” Even after his death in 1989, Rowlands continued to work with family members, appearing in films directed by their son, Nick, and her daughter Zoe. While she rose to stardom in the 1970s with groundbreaking independent films, she also reached a younger audience in her later years, thanks to Nick Cassavetes’s popular movie “The Notebook.” Here are some of her best works to watch.
Perhaps the first example of the magic created by Rowlands and John Cassavetes was seen in “Faces.” Prior to that, she had worked in his debut film “Shadows” in an uncredited role, and in a more conventional film titled “A Child Is Waiting” starring Judy Garland. However, it was “Faces,” made on a low budget, that showcased the uniqueness of their partnership. In this drama about marital tensions, Rowlands portrayed Jeannie, a call girl caught up with a married man. Through Cassavetes’s intimate close-ups and extended shots, Rowlands embodied the naturalistic environment he was crafting. As Jeannie transitions from a carefree partygoer to a woman developing feelings for the male lead, Rowlands’s performance captivates.
1974
‘A Woman Under the Influence’
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To experience the breadth of Rowlands’s talents, one must watch “A Woman Under the Influence.” In this quintessential film, directed by Cassavetes, she plays Mabel Longhetti, a wife and mother amidst a breakdown that evolves throughout the movie. Rowlands immerses viewers in Mabel’s emotional instability with a rawness that is truly unsettling. From the danger in her erratic behavior with neighborhood children to the melancholy in her timid return from the hospital, Rowlands’s portrayal of Mabel is both unsettling and moving.
1977
‘Opening Night’
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“Opening Night” initially had limited visibility but is now recognized as a showcase of Rowlands’s talents. As Myrtle Gordon, an actress struggling with a new play, she delivers a haunting performance. The film delves into Myrtle’s inner turmoil, embodied by a spectral presence that symbolizes her own struggles with aging and success. Rowlands’s portrayal is nuanced and emotionally resonant.
1980
‘Gloria’
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In contrast to her vulnerable roles in “A Woman Under the Influence” and “Opening Night,” Rowlands portrays a tough and fierce character in “Gloria.” Playing the titular character, a former mobster’s girlfriend tasked with caring for a young boy, Rowlands exudes strength and grit. Despite her growing affection for the child, she maintains her tough exterior, portrayed with a blend of defiance and vulnerability by Rowlands.
1991
‘Night on Earth’
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In “Night on Earth,” a collaborative effort with Jim Jarmusch, Rowlands shines as a sharp and skeptical character. Cast as a passenger in a cab driven by a punkish young woman, Rowlands’s performance exudes Hollywood sophistication mixed with intrigue and depth. Her portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the interactions in the film.
1996
‘Unhook the Stars’
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In “Unhook the Stars,” a film directed by Nick Cassavetes, Rowlands takes on a sweet and heartwarming role as a suburban widow. Her portrayal as Mildred reflects a departure from her usual intense characters, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
1997
‘She’s So Lovely’
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In “She’s So Lovely,” directed by Nick Cassavetes, Rowlands delivers a no-nonsense and empathetic performance. Playing Miss Green, a counselor attending to a troubled individual, Rowlands’s portrayal is grounded and compassionate, creating a memorable character within the film.
Rowlands’s performance as the older version of Allie in “The Notebook” showcased her detailed portrayal of a woman disconnected from her past self. While the film initially attracted audiences with the chemistry between the leads, Rowlands’s depiction added emotional depth and resonance to the story.
2007
‘Broken English’
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In Zoe R. Cassavetes’s directorial debut, “Broken English,” Rowlands appears as the elegant and humorous mother of the protagonist. The film, with its shaggy quality reminiscent of John Cassavetes’s work, allows Rowlands to shine in a different light, portraying a character disappointed yet supportive of her daughter’s romantic pursuits.