Director Cassavetes investigates what happens when a woman does not play her prescribed role. An enchanting drama about an identity crisis in theater land.

Actress Gena Rowlands plays the role of theater actress Myrtle Gordon in perfect tone: with the controlled panic of someone on the verge of a nervous breakdown. With instinctively fluid camerawork and intense acting, this is perhaps one of the best films about theater ever made.

Opening Night tells the story of Myrtle Gordon, a functioning alcoholic actress days away from the opening night of her latest play, about a woman distraught about aging. One night, one of Myrtle's fans dies while chasing her limousine. Myrtle internalizes the accident, but increasingly loses control over her life. As opening night draws closer, vulnerable Myrtle must find a way to keep the show going.

The whole of August, In honor of the 50th anniversary of A Woman Under the Influence (1974), we will be showing the best films by the pioneer of American independent film: John Cassavetes.