Episode 51: Opening Night (1977)

This episode is about Opening Night, John Cassavetes’ fascinating backstage drama starring an extraordinary Gena Rowlands as an actress spiralling under the pressure of ageing, identity and performance. A raw, emotionally volatile film full of remarkable acting, long intimate close-ups, and a reminder of just how fearless Cassavetes was as a filmmaker. One of the most challenging and rewarding watches I’ve had in quite a while.