大象传媒

As well as carving out a successful career in front of the camera, the late John Cassavetes is considered the patron saint of American independent filmmaking. Like his acclaimed 1976 gangster flick The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie, Opening Night (1977) is infused with existential angst, only this time it's the acting game that sparks mental turmoil. Cassavetes' then-wife Gena Rowlands delivers a tour-de-force as a celebrated actress growing old disgracefully.

Myrtle Gordon is a woman of many faces, elegantly poised yet mournfully pathetic. She begins to unravel after a pretty young autograph hunter (Laura Johnson) is mowed down in pursuit of her limousine. That, combined with trying to get a handle on her latest role - a woman searching for lost youth - drives Myrtle to distraction. She is gripped with stage fright, making up the lines as she goes along and riling her colleagues in a futile attempt to deny middle age.

"TRULY GRAND"

Cassavetes (who also has a small role) gifts his actors with a lingering camera, showcasing every nuance and bringing stark realism to the drama. But there's also a heavy dose of surrealism as Myrtle tussles with the ghost of the dead girl - probably a figment of her addled imagination. It's a credit to Rowlands' sensitive portrayal and Cassavetes' script that Myrtle remains sympathetic despite her self-obsession. She's often the most genuine human being amid a rabble of brown-nosing showbiz types (especially Ben Gazzara's oily director).

Joan Blondell provides a sturdy anchor to the real world as a no-nonsense playwright. She and Rowlands both earned Golden Globe nominations but were overlooked at the studio-slanted Oscars. Cassavetes may be guilty of overindulging his actors, but his maverick approach never distracts from the heart of the story. Opening Night is a truly grand unveiling of our innermost fears.

Opening Night is released in UK cinemas on Friday 15th June 2007.