A four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner,Gena Rowlandsis an immensely talented star, perhaps most known for her indie collaborations with her actor-filmmaker late husband,John Cassavetes. Although she has retired from acting, Rowlands has left a huge mark in the film industry with her incredible, authentic, and naturalistic acting skills, as well as memorable movie roles that helped shape cinema.
While the star has been in mostly independent films, viewers may also recognize her from big blockbusters — one of her last projects wasThe Notebook, in which she played older Allie. FromAnother WomantoA Woman Under the Influence,these are the best Gena Rowlands moviesthat cemented her as a trailblazer of American cinema.
15’The Notebook' (2004)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
Directed by Rowlands and Cassavetes' son,Nick Cassavetes, and based onNicholas Sparks' 1996 novel,The Notebookfollows an older man (James Garner) reading a love story to an older woman (Rowlands). The story sees two young lovers, Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Ally (Rachel McAdams), who are separated by their inherent differences after a love-filled summer, only to reunite years later when she’s engaged.
The Notebookborrows from a real storyto tell a sweeping tale of love and how it can be lost and found.The Notebookis now considered among the best romantic movies of the new millennium, largely thanks to Gosling and McAdams' electrifying chemistry. However, the veteran adults are just as important to the narrative, especially to sell its now-famous twist.Rowlands delivers a profoundly affecting performanceas an older woman losing her grip on her sanity, perfectly matched by an equally compelling Garner.
The Notebook
14’The Mighty' (1998)
Directed by Peter Chelsom
Academy Award nomineeSharon Stonestars in the 1998 coming-of-age buddy dramedyThe Mighty. The film chronicles the friendship between Kevin (Kieran Culkin), a boy with Morquio syndrome living with his mother (Stone), and Max (Elden Henson), a teenager with dyslexia living with his grandparents (Rowlands andHarry Dean Stanton).
The Mightyremains a worthy and rewarding coming-of-age tale and one of the sweetest movies of the late ’90s.
The Mightyis a sweet story about friendship and belongingwith a gut punch of an ending that won’t leave a dry eye in the house. Rowlands and Stone provide much experience and dignity to the proceedings, but it’s Culkin and Henson who dominate this well-meaning and affecting picture. Although it rarely strains from the classic path laid by other, better movies,The Mightyremains a worthy and rewarding coming-of-age tale and one of the sweetest movies of the late ’90s.
Rent on Amazon
13’Machine Gun McCain' (1969)
Directed by Giuliano Montaldo
John Cassavetes was also a remarkably gifted actor, even earning an Oscar nomination for his supporting role inThe Dirty Dozen. The gifted actor and director gives one of his coolest and most confident leading turns inGiuliano Montaldo’s crime filmMachine Gun McCainas Hank McCain, a recently paroled criminal who plans a heist at a casino alongside his son. However, they are unaware that the casino is run by a dangerous mob boss.
Rowlands' scenes with Cassavetes are intimate yet revealing, never needing expository dialog to convey a sense of familiarity between their characters.
Rowlands plays a small supporting role as Rosemary Scott, McCain’s old lover and former partner in crime. It’s a small but pivotal role and an excellent example of how much of a difference Rowlands could make in a movie. Her scenes with Cassavetes are intimate yet revealing, never needing expository dialog to convey a sense of familiarity between their characters.Machine Gun McCainis not particularly great, but Cassavetes almost single-handedly elevates it, thanks to his collected performance andhow lived-in he makes McCain’s world feel and look.
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12’Unhook the Stars' (1996)
Rowlands joinsOscar winnerMarisa Tomeiin Cassavetes' 1996 dramaUnhook the Stars. The film follows Mildred (Rowlands), a widow who befriends her across-the-street neighbor, Monica (Tomei), eventually becoming the babysitter of her son, J.J. (Jake Lloyd).
Unhook the Starsis a solid late effort from Cassavetes and yet another excellent performance from Rowlands.
Unhook the Starsis a unique film in Cassavetes' filmography. It’s a lot more conventional and unambitious than his previous collaborations with Rowlands, butthere is charm and potency in its simplicity. Mostly, Unhook the Starsserves as a showcase for Rowlands' mighty talents, perfectly matched by an equally compelling Tomei, whose screen presence is strong enough to stand against Rowlands in some of the film’s most interesting scenes. Although quite by the numbers,Unhook the Starsis a solid late effort from Cassavetes and yet another excellent performance from Rowlands.
11’Hysterical Blindness' (2002)
Directed by Mira Nair
A trio of Oscar nominees star in the HBO dramaHysterical Blindness, based on the eponymous stage play.Uma Thurmanplays Debby, a young woman desperate to find love. Rowlands co-stars as her mother, Virginia, who is in a relationship with Nick (Ben Gazzara), a man who makes her feel alive for the first time in her life.
Hysterical Blindnessis more concerned with allowing its actors to shine in a classic story about the challenges of everyday life.
Hysterical Blindnessis an actors' movie from beginning to end. Thurman, Rowlands, and Gazzara delivered stellar performances that earned them critical acclaim and prestigious accolades. Thurman won the 2003 Golden Globe, while Rowlands and Gazzara claimed the 2003 Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, respectively.Hysterical Blindnessis more concerned with allowing its actors to shine in a classic story about the challenges of everyday life, becoming more memorable and effective as a result.
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10’Another Woman' (1988)
Directed by Woody Allen
Another Womanstars Rowlands as Marion Post, a philosophy professor who unintentionally overhears a private conversation between a psychiatrist and her patient named Hope, played byMiaFarrow. As Marion eavesdrops, she becomes moved by Hope’s regrets and despair, which leads her to reevaluate her own life. She then realizes that her coldness has made her distant from her friends and family, ultimately becoming captivated by the idea of changing her ways.
Despite being directed by one of the most controversial filmmakers of all time,Another Womanis undoubtedly an intriguing watch that provides viewers with a captivating character study. It is a complex, at times even touching film that features a great performance from the undeniably talented actor.Another Womanmakes audiences rethink if theyreallyshould be watching it, in the sense that it is utterly voyeuristic.
9’A Child is Waiting' (1963)
Directed by John Cassavetes
Based onAbby Man’s Westinghouse Studio One teleplay,John Cassavetes' enthralling dramaA Child is Waitingcenters onJudy Garland’s music teacher, Jean Hansen, who quickly bonds with her students at a state mental hospital. She forms a strong connection with 12-year-old Reuben (BruceRitchey), who was left in the institution by his parents, Sophie (Gena Rowlands) and Ted (Steven Hill), following their divorce.
Cassavetes' 1963 movie features emotional performances from those involved and sees the filmmaker attempting at mainstream cinema.
Likemost of Judy Garland’s movies,A Child Is Waitingrises on the strength of the actress' impassionate performance. Dealing with sensitive themes regarding children with intellectual disabilities or emotionally disturbed, Cassavetes' 1963 movie features emotional performances from those involved and sees the filmmaker attempting at mainstream cinema. Despite underwhelming box office results,A Child is Waitingwas generally well-received and features a very goodTomatometerscore of 92%. It is not one of the director’s best, but it is far from being a bad film, either.
8’Lonely Are the Brave' (1962)
Directed by David Miller
Adapted fromEdward Abbey’s novelThe Brave Cowboy,Lonely Are the Braveis a black-and-white Western following a man (KirkDouglas) who feels like he doesn’t belong in the modern world. to be imprisoned alongside his convict friend Paul, played byMichaelKane, Jack deliberately gets into a barroom fight. When the police come after him, though, he heads for the hills and the hunt breaks out after finding out his friend does not want to escape after all.
Filmed in the area in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico,David Miller’s underrated Western moviefeatures beautiful imagery on top of its thoroughly entertaining narrative. It is one of Kirk Douglas' films that he has made (via Far Out Magazine). “I love the theme that if you try to be an individual, society will crush you,” the actor revealed. Rowlands skilfully portrays Jack’s best friend’s wife, Jerry Bondi.
Lonely Are the Brave
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7’Minnie and Moskowitz' (1971)
Rowlands andSeymourCasseljoin forces inthe underrated 1970s filmMinnie and Moskowitz, bringing to life the title roles. Minnie Moore is an aging beauty feeling depressed after being dumped by her married boyfriend and wondering if she will ever find true love. When she meets the shaggy-haired parking lot attendant Seymour during a blind date that goes terribly wrong, he falls hopelessly in love with Minnie. Minnie then agrees to go on a date with him, and a connection blossoms between the two.
Despite being a low-budget production,Minnie and Moskowitzearned Cassavetes, Rowland’s then-husband, a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen — and deservedly so. The 1971 movie, which meditates on unlikely relationships, may not be a must-see masterpiece in the genre. However, it is surely a well-made film that fans of independent comedies, in particular, would like to check out. Clearly,Cassavetes incorporated some elements of his real-life relationship in this, makingMinnie and Moskowitza truly endearing and special watch.
6’Night on Earth' (1991)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch
This arthouse comedy-drama byJimJarmuschpresents five different segments, each filmed inside a cab ride and set in a different city around the world: Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome, and Helsinki. One of them features taxi driver Corky (WinonaRyder), who is paired with a Hollywood casting agent (Rowlands). The other is a Parisian chauffeur (Isaach deBankolé) who must engage in a debate with some noisy diplomats.
Jim Jarmusch’s uniquely creative film explores the tenderness of nights, conversations with strangers, and human connection.
Featuring a beautifulTom Waitssoundtrack,Night on Earthis a highly entertaining slice-of-life filmthat will keep audiences invested in its unusual screenplay and realistic dialogue. Equal parts funny and somewhat sad, Jarmusch’s uniquely creative film explores the tenderness of nights, conversations with strangers, and human connection. It was Rowland’s first movie role after the death of her husband and work partner, Cassavetes, but she remains as spirited and enthralling on screen as always.
