Brief
Jacob Elordi credits John Cassavetes’ Opening Night with mental‑health breakthrough
The Australian actor explained how the 1977 film eased his anxiety during a Cartier Cinema Club screening in Santa Monica.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Jacob Elordi told attendees at a Cartier Cinema Club event at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre on Friday that watching John Cassavetes’ 1977 film Opening Night made him feel “a lot less insane and alone.” The actor, who is preparing for an upcoming Ari Aster project, selected the film for the club’s first U.S. screening after the initiative debuted at the Venice Film Festival.
What happened
During the Friday evening, Elordi introduced the screening, noting that he had previously felt “like I was having some form of mental breakdown.” After viewing the film, he said the experience clarified the acting process for him, showing that the turmoil he felt was part of creating a character. The event featured a 30‑minute discussion with Oscar‑winning director Sean Baker and moderator Kim Gordon.
What the reports add
The Hollywood Reporter article details Elordi’s remarks about the film’s impact on his mental state and his upcoming, undisclosed movie with Ari Aster, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jude Law, Ella Purnell and Caleb Landry Jones. It also lists the cast of Opening Night, including Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, Joan Blondell, Paul Stewart and Zohra Lampert.
What was said
Elordi said, “The movie made me feel a lot less insane and alone,” and added, “You can’t just learn the lines and say the lines. It showed me all the stuff that was going on inside that I thought was sort of my body and mind breaking down … was actually a part of the acting process.” The quote is attributed to the actor in the Hollywood Reporter interview.
How it came about
Cartier launched the Cinema Club initiative at the Venice Film Festival last month to honor the spirit of cinema and support artists. Elordi, a Cartier ambassador, was invited to hand‑pick a film for the club’s first stateside event, choosing Opening Night because of its personal relevance.
Key facts
- Jacob Elordi said watching John Cassavetes’ Opening Night made him feel less insane and alone. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- The Cartier Cinema Club event took place at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre on October 17, 2026. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Elordi discussed the film with Oscar‑winning director Sean Baker and moderator Kim Gordon. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Elordi is preparing to star in Ari Aster’s Scapegoat alongside Scarlett Johansson, Jude Law, Ella Purnell and Caleb Landry Jones. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Opening Night stars Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, Joan Blondell, Paul Stewart and Zohra Lampert. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Jacob Elordi Thought He Was Having a Mental Breakdown Until He Saw a John Cassavetes Film: “Made Me Feel A Lot Less Insane and Alone””
