Opening Night

Opening Night captures a moment in the life of Myrtle Gordon, a renowned and spirited actress struggling with the boundaries of art, age, and personal identity. As a layered and profoundly existential exploration of the creative process, Opening Night transcends its subject matter to become a moving exploration of human relationships and inner turmoil.

Released in 1977, the movie is directed by the legendary John Cassavetes, who also features in the cast alongside his real-life wife, the unforgettable Gena Rowlands. Rowlands plays the role of Myrtle Gordon, bringing sensitivity and depth to a character who is wrestling with her own insecurities, as well as the pressures of a profession that asks her to expose her vulnerability constantly. John Cassavetes shines as Maurice, a director who both frustrates and enables the creative vision of Myrtle. They are joined by Ben Gazzara, whose portrayal of the producer Manny Victor adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The film opens with Myrtle Gordon preparing for her role in the new play, "The Second Woman." The content hits a little too close to home for Myrtle as she grapples with the play's theme of aging. The play within a play structure glows with meta-theatrical depth as we delve into the perspectives of the actors, audience, and playwrights about aging and the fear of irrelevance.

Opening Night also highlights the complex process behind creating a theatrical production. Myrtle is expected to embody the playwright's vision sincerely, leading to several clashes and conversations on creative freedom and artistic integrity. The film examines the tension between an actor's individual understanding of a character and the director's interpretations.

The personal and professional life of Myrtle Gordon unfolds simultaneously, each dramatically impacting the other. Not only does she struggle with playing an aging woman onstage, but she is also battling with aging offstage. As the film progresses, Myrtle's struggles become more significant as she must confront her mortality and the existential anxiety that accompanies it. Rowlands delivers an intense performance, capturing Myrtle's introspective journey with great authenticity.

The unexpected death of a fan also triggers a complex chain of emotional crises for Myrtle, leading her to experience strange hallucinations, causing her to question her sanity. The line between reality and fiction becomes blurred, forming the heart of the film's outstanding narrative. The use of spectral imagery elevates the narrative's haunting beauty, symbols of Myrtle's unraveling psyche.

Cassavetes handles the exploration of the protagonist's inner psyche with sophistication. His filmmaking offers an immersive viewing experience, pushing us into Myrtle’s battered psyche, sharing her dread, her light, her fear, and her courage, making us partners in her journey rather than mere spectators.

However, lighter elements also speckle the movie's profound narrative in the form of brief comic moments, offering relief from the emotional depth of the plot. These moments are enigmatic and deeply human, providing an authentic portrayal of life's absurdities amid intense introspection.

The versatile cinematography shines throughout the film, interspersed with close-ups, long takes, and handheld camera movements. Areas of grey and white dominate aesthetically, reinforcing the film's thematic concerns with age and change. The sublime music score by Bo Harwood underscores the emotions of the lead characters, adding to the overall mood of the film.

The supporting cast, including Joan Blondell as Sarah Goode, a playwright who wrote the play for Myrtle, and Zohra Lampert as Dorothy Victor, provides solidity to the film. Their performances enhance the narrative and stand up to the top-billed stars without overshadowing them.

In conclusion, Opening Night is not just merely a movie about making a play; it offers audiences a deeply introspective look at the human condition. The soul of the film lies in how art and life intersect and influence each other. It highlights the emotional labor that goes into crafting a performance, the constant navigation between the self and the role. It’s also a poignant exploration of aging and the fear of becoming irrelevant with time. The film remains an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in profound character studies and carefully crafted narratives.