Scènes de la vie conjugale

One of Ingmar Bergman's most well known films, but also looked to be one of his most challenging (on paper at least). Part of that's because of the length. I watched the theatrical cut, which is already about 168 minutes, and there's an extended miniseries cut (which looks like the original version) that's about two hours longer.

I liked this enough to probably give the miniseries a watch at some point, probably somewhere off in the reasonably far future though. The "short" version still felt like a full experience, and went by pretty quick considering its length.

Part of what also made this film look challenging was its subject matter and minimalist style. Being about the breakdown of a marriage and shot in a very simple way, I was worried it would get dull or boring to watch, but it kept me engaged throughout.

It's the acting and writing that really make this as good as it is, and the low-key, simple visuals really help ensure the focus is on the performances and the dialogue. I even found myself liking how stark and static the feel of the film was, as it worked well with the subject matter (a few of those quick zooms didn't look great though, but maybe the effect looked less jarring at the time).

Occasionally there was a line of dialogue that felt a little forced, but that could be as a result of the subtitles filling in gaps, due to the shorter runtime of the theatrical version. But overall, the writing is pretty strong, and I like how it focused on personal issues, thoughts, and feelings, specific to the characters, as I've found in the past that some of the broader, more overtly philosophical Bergman dialogue about "life" and "society" in general doesn't always do it for me.

But in the end, this is one of the best Bergman films I've watched so far, and between this and Smiles of a Summer Night last week, I've been really enjoying diving back into his films. I've only ever seen the theatrical version of Fanny and Alexander, but it remains my favourite film of his, so I may watch the extended miniseries version of that next, to continue this successful run of Bergman films.

Scent of a Woman is a 1992 American drama directed by Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell. The story follows Charlie Simms, a preparatory school student who takes a temporary job over Thanksgiving weekend to care for retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a blind and irritable man.

Charlie, struggling with a moral dilemma at school, accompanies Colonel Slade on an unexpected trip to New York City. Throughout their journey, Slade indulges in fine dining, luxury hotels, and confronts deep emotional wounds, revealing plans to end his life. Charlie's honesty, patience, and kindness gradually draw Slade out of his bitterness. In turn, Slade helps Charlie find the courage to stand up for his principles during a critical school disciplinary hearing.

The film explores themes of honor, redemption, and personal integrity, and it features Al Pacino's iconic, Oscar-winning performance, particularly noted for the famous "Hoo-ah!" catchphrase and the unforgettable tango scene.

Very talky, almost all in close ups. Like being on stage. The couple is clearly depicted early on - he's full of himself and she's subservient.

The film will try to show how their lives unraveled over the years, but strictly from dialogue in rooms, as we never meet the mistress, children, parents, or anyone else. Basically, an essay not a film, on male/female values. Bergman has made much better films.

... or at least until one of us has had enough, although that will more than likely be reciprocated. There's a good chance you'll recognise a lot of the characteristics, dialogue and awkwardness on show here although everybody's story is different, but it's the craft of the actors moulding the directors words and wisdom that creates a near perfect marriage made in heaven - as so many of Ingmar Bergman's films do, and as such, you'll struggle to divorce your eyes and ears from the conversation, your mind and memory from reflection.

I saw Scenes of a marriage recently and have never stopped thinking about it since. The way it deals with the relationship story revolving around divorce is masterful. This unlike marriage story (similar type) isn't sad or emotional, this is depressing and it's beauty lies in the dialogues. The realistic take on love and relationships is never easy but this despite having a foreign language absorbed me in a way I hadn't imagined.

The camera work is really nice and the close-up shots made the film feel less like a movie and more like a scene happening in front of you.

I was really hyped for the latest hbo show which is a remakes of this but now after watching this, I don't think it will be as good as this, maybe an American style will be different but this is otherwordly.

Bergman's true essence lies in a deep study of the human condition which was very clear from Winter Light (my first Bergman) and his films are known to be depressing and leave a deep impact on the viewer and this is exactly what this did.

Both the characters were brilliantly written and how they react to their circumstances was really outstanding. The pacing is handled really well it just doesn't feel like a 3 hour long story about a couple talking.

After watching this, I could see how much of an inspiration it has served to some of my favourite movies of the same type.

Before Midnight took a realistic turn by escaping from the fantasised romance, Marriage story was also inspired from this and I am glad that I finally saw this movie.

The acting also was flawless by both the leads and it surely needs masterclass to portray such complex characters.