opening night released  tries ambitious production succeeds truly stunning performance gena rowlands character theatre actress myrtle necessarily someone would love real life selfabsorbed often obnoxious makes life miserable around  words unlike actresses myrtle also woman edge collapse  quite sure demons fighting real imagined although let secret early rowlands obviously well directed love gifted husband actordirector john cassavettes role film well film without flaws  overly long last part film myrtle goes stage drunk seems almost cruel improvising dialogue  least stage  goes way long supporting characters give good performances especially ben gazarra playing myrtles sleazy producer joan blondells character never fully developed never could figure film except placate myrtle see film rowlands alone  fascinating throughout  tough take eyes her although want times