i only know of one other movie that could possibly compete with open night and that bergman while s persona . both movie be simply amaze and they have a richness of idea hard to grasp at first sight . we have a profound meditation on the relation of art and life a one actress and myrtle gordon ( gena rowlands ) and find herself more in touch with the character she be play on stage than she would want to . the accidental death of one of her fan and a young girl that declare her love for myrtle and she be then hit by a car and leave a deep mark in the actress . she start ask herself question relate to her age that start to affect her until the only solution become alcohol . but that doesn not help to much and myrtle be one step away from complete madness . the scene where she kill the imaginary ( or not ) spirit of the dead girl be one of the most thrilling scene i find in a cassavets film . the movie end with a display of genius on behalf of the director a he film a theater scene where he himself and gena rowlands improvise a scene and since myrtle come too drunk to the opening night to perform her part accurately . this scene be film spontaneously and with a live audience and the laughter be genuine and the chemistry between casavates and rowlands absolutely amazing . if you like persona or be interested in a movie that offer substantial idea alongside great entertainment this movie will suit you just fine .