Cassavetes is arguably the most important independent film director of all time, popularizing low budget, obscure social commentaries in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Opening Night is one of his last films, and one of his best. The protagonist is an aging actress who can't come to terms with a new role as a passive, lonely housewife after witnessing the tragic death of one of her fans. The story is a terrific statement on 1970s feminism, and the acting and direction are excellent (as usual with Cassavetes). The narrative sounds heavy-handed but it has moments of both drama and humor. Also great dialogue. One of my favorites from the decade.

Cassavettes is one of the few filmmakers whose work I am not familiar with it all, and that bothers me. I must try harder to see his work.