Opening Night (film)

Opening Night ( Alternative title on TV: The first performance ) is an American film drama directed by John Cassavetes from the year 1977.

Action

Myrtle Gordon is a big star actor in the United States. She is early 40's and is urged by theater director Manny Victor in a role that the playwright Sarah Goode wrote about a woman who has the problems associated with aging. In Out -of -Town -Try -Outs the piece outside of New York is rehearsed and played in the American province every day. However, Myrtle can not come to terms to play an older woman. She fears after this role only to get older women's roles, and the role mixes with the real concerns of Myrtle.

After a presentation Myrtle is harassed by fans. In particular, the 17 -year-old Nancy is after her. Even as Myrtle already sitting in the car, it crowd in the pouring rain on the car window. When leaving Myrtle looks like the girl is run over by a car. The death of the young woman can not be Myrtle go again. It recognizes itself in the girl and remembers her own youthfulness. The samples are more difficult. Myrtle refused the role. Director, producer and writer strive to keep Myrtle in line. Already in the last performance in the province of Myrtle constantly falls out of character and so the ensemble travels not only because of the premiere stage fright nervous to New York premiered on Broadway. In New York, the audience as well as the ensemble awaits the start of the performance. However, it is missing the lead actress; it comes after a long wait, very drunk to the theater. Nevertheless, director Manny tries to start with the drunken actress the piece. Myrtle can barely stand on his feet. However, the ensemble she supports, where it possibly can to get the show halfway through the rounds. In the last scene of the last act Myrtle then begins to fall completely out of character and improvised together with its partner Maurice. The piece ends as a comedic farce. Myrtle is still acclaimed by the New York audience for their performance.

Reviews

Roger Ebert wrote in the Chicago Sun - Times, the film will tell the story of an alcoholic actress in the final stage of the crash, which in their environment makes people a hard time. Gena Rowlands play its role "perfect"; Show them credible the panic of a person who " right here, right now " need a drink.

The lexicon of international film wrote that the film was an " accurate and sensitive portrayal of the lack of communication between people who live and work together ." The " great dramatic performance ," the actress was " fascinating ".

Rotten Tomatoes wrote that the film was another of John Cassavetes signed " haunting portrait " of an individual on the " brink of insanity ." The lead actress and supporting actor John Cassavetes and Ben Gazzara were praised.

Awards

Gena Rowlands as Best Actress - Drama and Best Supporting Actress Joan Blondell were nominated for the Golden Globe Award in 1978. Gena Rowlands won the Silver Bear in 1978 while John Cassavetes was nominated for the Golden Bear. The film won the International Film Award - Otto Dibelius Film Award at the International Film Festival in Berlin.

Background

Director and writer John Cassavetes wanted to occupy the role of playwright Sarah Goode starring Bette Davis. However, this declined. His second choice was Joan Blondell, who had in 1929 been with James Cagney on a Broadway stage.

The world premiere took place in Los Angeles on December 22, 1977. In February 1978, the film at the International Film Festival in Berlin was shown.

1977 in film Screenplay Film score Paul Stewart (actor) Broadway theatre Chicago Sun-Times Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture Shadows (1959 film) A Child Is Waiting Minnie and Moskowitz The Killing of a Chinese Bookie Gloria (1980 film)
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