Scenes from a Marriage (1974)

Director: Ingmar Bergman
Stars: Liv Ullman, Erland Josephson, Bibi Andersson
Runtime: 169 minutes

Synopsis: Scenes from a Marriage chronicles the many years of love and turmoil that bind Marianne (Liv Ullmann) and Johan (Erland Josephson) through matrimony, infidelity, divorce, and subsequent partners.

Verdict: I never fully understood the reasoning behind marriages. They’re sold as being celebrations of love but they’re nothing more than legally binding contracts between two individuals that nearly always end in failure and heartbreak.

Ingmar Bergman’s miniseries turned movie “Scenes from a Marriage” is an exploration of the relationship between Marianne and Johan over the course of a decade. More than being about the characters themselves, it serves as an honest study of the different stages of marriage and argues that it’s a legal document that tends to asphyxiate the romance within a relationship rather than allowing it to freely blossom, as exemplified by the 4:3 aspect ratio utilized. It’s a powerful depiction of an inevitable and ugly fallout that takes its sweet time to naturally develop, allowing the audience to experience every step to its fullest extent.

Liv Ullman gives a powerhouse performance as Marianne, and while Erland Josephson was more than convincing as her husband Johan, it’s his character I had some issues with. He begins to behave like a brute for no apparent reason about an hour into the film, and generally comes across as an exaggerated version of the character Bergman was aiming for. Considering the fact that the villain of the movie is painted to be the concept of nuptials, I would’ve preferred to relate to both characters rather than find myself rooting for one of them (something “Marriage Story” does better in my opinion).

Nonetheless, “Scenes from a Marriage” remains a horrifyingly realistic peek at the fragility of love and the catalyst that sends it down a downward spiral. Unless you're happily married, I do recommend checking it out.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10