MovieChat Forums > A Woman Under the Influence (1974) Discussion > The poor children/child actors.

The poor children/child actors.

posted 13 years ago by cathiarola
3 replies | jump to latest

I thoroughly enjoyed the film - don't get me wrong. I just kept thinking about the long term effects these children would endure watching their mother's mental illness take hold of her. The last scene (when Mable returned home) would have been so confusing for a child. All the screaming and especially when she cut her hand with the scissors and stood on the couch dazed as everyone filed out. The child actor's who played the children did a fab job, but I wonder how much of their performance was "acting" or genuine bewilderment?
Also, wouldn't the hospital make any recommendations to Nick no how to transition Mable back into her home environment. I'm not a doctor, but having a grand party with 60+ people wouldn't have been advised. Just wondering . . .

[–] hodie 12 years ago

Yes, the party was a really insensitive idea. I felt so sorry for her.

"Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"

[–] Speeed (195) 4 years ago

I think the idea of having 60 friends over during this very delicate time of coming home from a psych hosp, clearly shows that Nick is also not really clear in the head. To me, he was just as, if not more than, crazy as Mabel.

[–] [email protected] (1367) 4 months ago

I totally agree. He was explosive, controlling and the biggest enabler of all. The movie had the makings of a real hit, but instead it was consumed with long scenes that went on forever and the ending was disappointing.