Gena Rowlands Quotes

(On working with Bette Davis on the TV movie Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter (1979) (TV)) When they offered that part opposite her, I didn`t want to do it. I thought, what if all my illusions were broken? But I couldn`t resist the temptation. She`s no pussycat -- she`s just a great and independent artist and I loved every minute working with her.

(On John Cassavetes) We had a great deal of freedom when John acted. We traveled a lot and it was fun. But with directing ... really. I think people don`t have all their marbles who prefer directing to acting because you write for three months, you cut for maybe six months. He`s the most terrifying perfectionist about what he wants. As an artist, I love him. As a husband, I hate him.

I like to think that Mrs. Asher is a lot stranger mother than I am. I hope that that`s true. She`s one of the strangest characters I`ve ever played.

(on John Cassavetes) We had a great deal of freedom when John acted. We traveled a lot and it was fun. But with directing ... really. I think people don`t have all their marbles who prefer directing to acting because you write for three months, you cut for maybe six months. He`s the most terrifying perfectionist about what he wants. As an artist I love him. As a husband I hate him.

It was when A Woman Under the Influence played at the New York Film Festival. It would be hard to top that. It was one of the most extraordinary nights of my life.

I always do make a back story for myself, but I`m not sure how necessary it is. I just like to.

But you base everything on people you know.

The thing about acting is you don`t want to let on how enjoyable it is or then everybody would want to become an actress. But it really is. It`s a pleasure to go and exchange your identity.

I love independent filmmaking. I don`t agree with a lot of it, but that`s the point.

People in independent film have a passion; they`re not in it for the money.

Getting a good role is hard for anyone.

(on working with Bette Davis on the TV movie "Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter") When they offered that part opposite her, I didn`t want to do it. I thought, what if all my illusions were broken? But I couldn`t resist the temptation. She`s no pussycat -- she`s just a great and independent artist and I loved every minute working with her.

I can never have a poker face. Anybody looking at me can tell exactly what I`m thinking.

I like subtitles. Sometimes I wish all movies had subtitles.

After you play a part, you think of it as your own.