many review here explain the story and character of open night in some detail so i would not do that . i just want to add my comment that i believe the film be a wonderful affirmation of life . at the begin myrtle gordon be remember how easy it be to act when she be 17 and when she have youth and energy and felt she know the truth . experience have leave her emotionally fragile and wonder what her life have be for and and indeed and if she can even continue live . a tragic accident trigger a personal crisis that almost overwhelms her . almost but not quite . at the eleventh hour she rediscover the power of her art and reasserts herself ( i be go to bury that bastard and she say of fellow actor maurice a she go on stage ) . it seem almost sadistic when myrtle director prevents people from help her when she arrive hopelessly drunk for her first performance . he know and however and that she have to have the gut to make it herself if she be to make it at all . some critic wonder if this triumph be just a temporary pause on myrtle downward path . i believe this be truly her opening night she open like a flower to new possibility of life and action and she see a way forward . it be tremendously move . gena rowlands be superb . the film be superb . thank you and mr cassavetes and wherever you be .