Actor Jacob Elordi recently explained how a classic cinematic masterpiece helped him navigate the psychological challenges of his early career. Speaking at the inaugural U.S. Cartier Cinema Club event at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre on Friday, the star revealed that John Cassavetes’ 1977 drama Opening Night provided immense reassurance when he questioned his artistic ambitions and mental well-being.
Appearing alongside filmmaker Sean Baker and moderator Kim Morgan, Elordi discussed the heavy self-doubt he experienced after working on several early projects that failed to meet his personal standards. Aspiring to be a ferocious and dedicated stage actor, the performance gap left him deeply dissatisfied with his career trajectory.
Finding Clarity in John Cassavetes’ Classic
For Elordi, watching Opening Night-which stars Gena Rowlands as an actress facing an intense personal crisis ahead of a major Broadway debut-was a turning point. He admitted that before viewing the film, he worried his inner turmoil and obsessive creative process signaled a psychological breakdown.
“I probably made three movies that I thought were pretty bad when I was young, and I had hopes and dreams of being this kind of terrific, ferocious stage actor,” Elordi explained to the audience. “And I watched this movie and it was one of the first times that I saw the creative process of an actor sort of fleshed out in detail. The movie made me feel a lot less insane and alone.”
The film illustrated that the internal friction, doubt, and emotional vulnerability he experienced were not signs of his mind breaking down. Instead, they represented a normal, albeit grueling, part of authentic artistic creation.
Embracing the Unpredictability of Filmmaking
Elordi handpicked Opening Night for the Cartier Cinema Club screening because of its profound impact on his professional philosophy. As he prepares to dive into new roles, including an upcoming project directed by Ari Aster titled Scapegoat, the actor continues to draw inspiration from Rowlands’ uninhibited performance and Cassavetes’ uncompromising approach to independent cinema.
Sean Baker echoed Elordi’s sentiments during the panel discussion, praising Cassavetes as the godfather of American independent film. Baker emphasized that taking creative risks and refusing to bow entirely to commercial safety remains essential for artists striving to leave a lasting impact.
By connecting with cinematic history, Elordi continues to find validation for the intense emotional demands required to bring complex characters to life on screen.
