Gena Rowlands' 10 Best Movies & TV Shows: A Complete Guide

Summary

• Gena Rowlands left a lasting impact on cinema with her authentic and heartfelt performances in both film and television.
• From her role as an elderly Allie in
  The Notebook
  to her portrayal of Marion in
  Another Woman
  , Rowlands showcased her range and talent.
• Rowlands’ ability to bring characters alive with genuineness, drawing from personal experiences, solidified her status as a revered Hollywood actress.

The world of cinema has lost a remarkable talent with the passing of Gena Rowlands. Known for her timeless films like The Notebook, Rowlands’ career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both film and television. Her performances were characterized by her faithfulness to the characters and her extraordinary range, qualities that made her a beloved figure in the industry. From her early roles to her late-career achievements, Rowlands always delivered performances that won both audiences’ and critics’ hearts.

From her collaborations in her late husband John Cassavetes’ best movies to more niche series, Rowlands always delivered unforgettable characters that resonated a lot with viewers. Whether she acts in an independent film or a famous blockbuster, each role demonstrates Rowlands’ ability to bring any character alive with genuineness.

10 The Notebook (2004)

An Elderly Version Of A Beloved Character

Gena Rowlands’ portrayal of the elderly Allie Hamilton in The Notebook stands out as proof of her enduring talent. Unlike her earlier, more passionate roles in films directed by her late husband, Rowlands’ performance in the movie was marked by her delicate acting. The Notebook is a very meaningful movie, and the actress breathes life into the character of an aging woman struggling with Alzheimer’s, capturing the struggles of memory loss that reflect her own battle with the disease.

Having lost her husband, John Cassavetes, in 1989, Rowlands tapped into her own grief, which added a layer of authenticity to her performance. Working alongside a talented cast, including James Garner, who played her on-screen husband, Rowlands found a different type of chemistry that enriched their scenes together. This role once again reaffirmed her status as a revered Hollywood actress, capable of greatness even in her later years.

9 Opening Night (1978)

Directed By John Cassavetes, With Stunning Acting By Rowlands.

Opening Night, to this day, stands as an incredible piece in Gena Rowlands’ career. The film goes into the nervous breakdown of an aging actress, Myrtle Gordon, who is having trouble after witnessing the passing of a young fan. Rowlands’ portrayal is nothing short of stunning, displaying Myrtle’s desperation and fierce determination. Her performance is emotionally complex, as she navigates through identity, fame, and self-worth.

This role demanded not just technical skills but a willingness to explore and expose the deepest parts of her soul, resulting in unforgettable scenes.

Directed by her husband, John Cassavetes, Opening Night benefits from the artistic and personal union between them. Their collaboration brought the story to life while also adding dimension, making it a standout film in their joint work history. Rowlands’ ability to immerse herself in the character of Myrtle was remarkable because she drew from her own experiences and fears as an actress. This role demanded not just technical skills but a willingness to explore and expose the deepest parts of her soul, resulting in unforgettable scenes.

8 Hex (1973)

Rowlands Plays A Woman Haunted By A Mysterious Past

A lesser-known but still unmatched film, Hex, is an interesting piece in Gena Rowlands’ filmography. Rowlands acts as Emily, a character tormented by shadows of her former life. The way Rowlands lets loose a more vulnerable side of her, perfectly captures how scared and worried she is, like someone who has big secrets that make her feel very afraid and sad.

The filmmakers chose an actual abandoned ghost town for many of the scenes, adding a feel of desolation and scariness to the movie.

Even if it’s not as famous compared to other Rowlands’ works, Hex stands out for its eerie atmosphere. The filmexplores psychological trauma and the concept of the unknown, allowing Rowlands to show her acting ability, making the story’s suspense and mystery all the more interesting.

7 A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

The Struggles Of Mental Illness In John Cassavetes’ Masterpiece

A Woman Under the Influence is a movie about Mabel,who has a hard time with mental illness. The movie was directed once again by John Cassavetes, with Gena Rowlands acting as Mabel. Her feelings are so overwhelming that they make it hard for her to be happy with her family and friends. Gena Rowlands does a mind-blowing job acting as Mabel, showing how hard it can be to deal with big, complicated feelings and situations. Her acting makes people watching the movie understand and care about Mabel.

The way the filmpresents mental health issues and Rowlands’ acting experience make it an important, always relevant, piece in her career. Cassavetes’ direction allowed viewers to see that even if Mabel’s problems are big, the little details helped us see how Mabel is feeling at every moment. This careful acting helps make the movie feel true and touching.

6 One Life to Live (1965-1966)

An Early Role That Helped Establish Gena Rowlands’ Career

Gena Rowlands took on an early role that played a crucial part in establishing her as a talented actress. Although she is primarily known for her work in films, the television program In One Life to Live allowed Rowlands to shine as an actress in the soap opera format. The role also showed her technical skills, setting the stage for her future success in the industry.

Meanwhile, primarily a film actress, Rowlands’ contribution to One Life to Live is a noteworthy aspect of her career, reflecting her early commitment to her craft. This role wasa foundation for her later, more celebrated projects, demonstrating her expertise even before her breakout success in film. Rowlands’ work in television during this period contributed to her growing reputation as an actress and her extensive film career.

5 A Rainy Day in New York (2019)

A Later-Career Role, With A Sophisticated Rowlands

In A Rainy Day in New York, Gena Rowlands delivers captivating scenes, both sophisticated and lively. This later-career role shows that Rowlands continues to have charm, even as she handles the problems that come with age. She plays a smart and funny woman who is good at talking to people. Her acting warmed audiences, making them feel like she was a friend they would want to listen to.

During the production of A Rainy Day in New York, Rowlands had a peculiar challenge: her character, a socialite, was often seen in elegant outfits and high-society settings. To get into character, Rowlands spent time studying the mannerisms and attitudes of socialites, even visiting high-end events in New York City for inspiration. In one scene, she used a subtle shift in her posture and tone to reflect her character’s hidden feelings, a detail that many viewers might miss, but that adds depth to the film.

4 New York, New York (1977)

A Supporting Role, But Rowlands Still Shines In It

In New York, New York, Gena Rowlands takes on a supporting role, yet she still manages to bring sentiment to the film. During this time, Rowlands was also dealing with a lot in her own life. She was busy helping her husband, John Cassavetes, with his films while trying to keep up with her acting career. This might have made her act in New York, New York feel even more special because she was managing a lot of different things at once.

The film is proof of how the intense drive for artistic expression can both connect and drive apart even those who are closest.

The actress manages to deliver the idea of the rocky relationship between two creative individuals. The film is proof of how the intense drive for artistic expression can both connect and drive apart even those who are closest. The characters, played by Rowlands and Robert De Niro, are very enjoyable to watch. This dynamic reflects the broader theme of New York as a vibrant crossroads where artists find inspiration and ultimately discover their voices.

3 What If God Were the Sun? (2007)

A Spiritual Journey Through Grief and Healing

Gena Rowlands brings a quiet power to the role of Melissa Eisenbloom. The highly praised TV movie What If God Were the Sun? lets viewers see Rowlands as a woman facing life’s end with unwavering faith; both heartbreaking and inspiring. Rowlands imbues Melissa with so much feeling that it resonates long after the film ends. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety, where every glance and every pause carry weight.

Rowlands acts out Melissa’s spirit with a delicate touch, showcasing the character’s resilience and vulnerability with equal measure. She transforms Melissa into a fully realized individual, a woman who finds strength in her faith and her connections with those around her. Rowlands’ performance is a testament to her ability to convey complex emotions with a truly remarkable simplicity.

2 Another Woman (1988)

A Dive Into Identity And Regret

Gena Rowlands performs as Marion in this introspective film, which explores the often-unspoken theme of aging and self-reflection. Rowlands portrays Marion’s emotional journey as she handles the consequences of the choices she made throughout her life. Her portrayal lets the viewer connect with her as she looks back on her accomplishments and sacrifices with a new perspective.

In a film that demands a lot from its audience with its lack of conventional plot, action, or humor, Rowlands’ performance stands out. The character’s interactions are framed by a series of seemingly coincidental encounters, which are actually orchestrated to reflect Marion’s internal state. The film’s choice to leave the relationship between Marion and the character named Hope open to interpretation only enhances Rowlands’ performance. Her character not only drives the narrative but also leaves a lasting impression, making it a centerpiece of this cinematic masterpiece.

1 Gloria (1980)

Another Cassavetes Film, With Rowlands Playing A Tough, Single Mother

Gena Rowlands’s character in Gloria radiates a different vibe that drives the story forward, making every moment feel immediate and real. Rowlands’ interactions with the young boy in the film mark her ability to navigate a complex range of emotions, from toughness to unexpected tenderness. The contrast between her gritty persona and the child’s exaggerated, movie-inspired boldness adds some dark humor.

Gena Rowlands reportedly broke her wrist during the filming of
Gloria
but continued to shoot her scenes without revealing the injury.

The film’s rough, improvisational style complements the role Gena Rowlands carries out, reflecting the unpolished, gritty reality of New York City as illustrated by her husband. The city’s essence is vividly brought to life through the film’s setting, from its buildings to its streets, it creates a backdrop that feels lived-in. This immersed the viewers with the energy found in more urban landscapes, and ultimately, represented the spirit of a city.