Scenes from a Marriage

Genre: matrimonial drama
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Release: 1973
Studio: Cinematograph - Cinema 5
Rating: PG
MBiS score: 8.7/10


Plumbing The Depths Of Human Emotion

Marianne (Liv Ullmann) and Johan (Erland Josephson) may be hailed by many as an exemplary couple but several incidents, including the breakup of friends Katarina (Bibi Andersson) and Peter (Jan Malmsjs), will cause them to re-examine their relationship. With Anita Wall (Mrs. Palm).

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If you believe that the above synopsis says too little about SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE, I could argue that it almost says too much. All in all, this film originally made for television depicts a series of frank conversations between Marianne and Johan at different stages of their lives. As if we were close friends, we are allowed to share their little secrets, appreciate their qualities, bear their weaknesses and, most importantly, realize how love can vacillate so wildly as to morph into indifference if not hate, its clear antithesis. For a marriage to prosper, both partners must learn to live with one another but also with themselves; certain couples succeed with little effort, some struggle and others will fail because the task simply overwhelms them. Will Marianne and Johan be up to it? That is for you to find out… but don’t give up on them if their logic looks twisted here and there. It is only at the very end of the movie, in three or four well-chosen lines, that the script offers the key to understanding our protagonists.

For you then, one big question remains: can a serious movie with such a complex, psychology-driven story-line, few characters and little action be even remotely interesting? Believe it or not, SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE kept me in awe for the duration (163 minutes, that is). Story aside, it boasts wonderful acting by our leads, solid production values and a pleasing no-frills look. Do see this triumph of intimacy fathered by one of the best directors in movie history.


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