How ‘Opening Night’ Changed Marisa Tomei’s View of Film
Marisa Tomei shares how John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands’ ‘Opening Night’ transformed her understanding of cinema and inspired her early in her acting journey.
Every performer has a particular film that resonates deeply, often serving as the spark that ignited their passion for acting. For some, it’s an obscure gem; for others, a widely celebrated blockbuster. In Marisa Tomei’s case, her touchstone is a classic from a director whose influence is frequently cited by the industry’s most respected figures. It’s easy to see why John Cassavetes is so revered among those who value cinematic artistry. His approach to independent filmmaking, which challenged the established order in Hollywood, left a lasting mark on the industry.
Cassavetes’ first feature, ‘Shadows’, was a pivotal moment for the medium. Its experimental, improvisational style—shaped by the rhythms of jazz—ushered in a new era where genuine, unvarnished stories could find an audience. The film demonstrated that one didn’t require a lavish studio, a large crew, or a cast of household names to create something meaningful. This ethos propelled Cassavetes to the forefront of cinema, and his frequent collaborations with his wife, Gena Rowlands, elevated his work to extraordinary heights.
Rowlands and Cassavetes: A Creative Partnership
Their joint efforts have inspired generations of film enthusiasts. Many consider ‘A Woman Under the Influence’—a searing examination of domestic life, gender roles, psychological turmoil, and identity—their crowning achievement. Tomei, while an admirer of that film, singles out ‘Opening Night’ as her personal favourite. The story, anchored by a remarkable performance from Rowlands as a Broadway actress grappling with her own mental fragility after witnessing a fan’s death, left a profound impression on Tomei.
Having appeared in a diverse range of projects—from ‘Chaplin’ and her Oscar-winning turn in ‘My Cousin Vinny’ to ‘The Wrestler’ and even ‘Avengers: Endgame’—Tomei credits ‘Opening Night’ with revealing the true potential of the art form to her. She recalls the moment she first encountered the film, saying,
“Gena Rowlands and John Cassavetes. [I chose this one] because of Gena, because I watched it when my mind was first opened up to what cinema could be when I was a young actress starting out and discovering the scope of film.”
The Impact of Gena Rowlands’ Performance
Tomei elaborates on her admiration for Rowlands, noting the depth and complexity she brings to her roles.
“Everything that Gena does in this, as well as in A Woman Under the Influence, the way that it explores femininity and masculinity and the devastating edges of masculinity, as well as so many colours that a woman can be: her fierceness, her devastation, her heartbreak, her going mad…”
Rowlands’ ability to portray such a wide emotional range left a lasting mark on Tomei, shaping her own approach to acting.
She also highlights the behind-the-scenes ingenuity that made ‘Opening Night’ possible. The film’s creation outside the traditional studio system, often in intimate settings, demonstrated to Tomei that it was possible to forge a unique path in the industry.
“And then to understand a film could be shot in someone’s house, that you could just do this, you could find a way to carve your own path away from prescribed studio roles. So, I chose this for the whole package.”
Redefining What Cinema Can Be
For Tomei, ‘Opening Night’ was more than just a film; it was a revelation. It showed her that cinema could be raw, personal, and boundary-pushing, unconstrained by the expectations of major studios. The experience of watching Rowlands and Cassavetes at work opened her eyes to the possibilities of storytelling, leaving an indelible influence on her career and her understanding of what it means to be an artist.