Scene da un matrimonio

Originally a miniseries, it was edited down to 169 minutes. It concerns itself with Liv Ullman, a divorce lawyer, and academician Erland Josephson. Over the course of ten years their marriage breaks down. Written by director Ingmar Bergman in a reported three months, it was shot quickly; cinematographer Sven Nykvist later stated that, given its later theatrical release, he would have liked more moving shots. Given the short schedule and tiny budget, that seems impossible in retrospect. As it is, the transfer from videotape to film gives it an inconsistent look, even within individual scenes; that seems to contribute to its intimacy and subjectiveness.

I think the lack of rehearsal, and the central roles being played by two Bergman regulars give the performances a freshness and lack of polish that contribute to the truth of the movie. These are two people who change, hesitantly and unwillingly, in the throes of overwhelming emotions. The lack of polish, the enormous emotional shifts with scenes give it a documentary feel, even as the characters talk almost endlessly.

Unlike Bergman's earlier works, which are often theological musings on why G*d doesn't give us more directions, this shows two people trying to make their way in a world where G*d, if he exists, is irrelevant. It's a search for meaning without any hope of objective guide, of people trying to snatch some happiness desperately, in a existential world. It offers no grand messages, no singular route to happiness for all of humanity, just for two individuals.

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.

Scenes from a Marriage, written and directed by Ingmar Bergman, is a powerful Swedish drama that explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and emotional evolution over time. Originally a six-part television miniseries later condensed into a theatrical film, it stars Liv Ullmann as Marianne and Erland Josephson as Johan-a seemingly content middle-class couple whose marriage slowly unravels.

The story spans over a decade, capturing key moments in their relationship: their initial harmony, the subtle onset of dissatisfaction, Johan's unexpected confession of infidelity, and their painful separation. Bergman's lens is intimate and unflinching, focusing almost entirely on dialogue-driven scenes that reveal the deep psychological layers of both characters.

As the film progresses, Johan leaves Marianne for a younger woman, but their connection lingers. They continue to meet over the years, sometimes with tenderness, other times with bitterness, as they navigate divorce, new partners, and personal transformation. Through these encounters, the audience witnesses not only the disintegration of their marriage but also the enduring, complex bond that continues to tie them together.

Liv Ullmann delivers a remarkable performance, portraying Marianne's emotional journey from self-effacing wife to an independent woman with dignity and depth. Erland Josephson's Johan is both selfish and sympathetic, capturing the contradictions of a man struggling with his own emotional limitations.

Bergman's minimalist approach-using simple settings, long takes, and close-ups-amplifies the emotional intensity. Rather than offering melodrama, Scenes from a Marriage presents an honest, often painful, meditation on love's fragility and resilience.

The film remains a landmark in cinematic storytelling for its raw portrayal of intimacy and psychological realism. It is not merely about a marriage falling apart, but about two people learning to see each other clearly for the first time-even when it's too late.

Review written by artist jayakumar jrain.

(This review is for the original six part television series and not the edited version, shown in theatres.)

I felt the first three episodes were deep and intense. Unfortunately, the last three seemed to deacceletate, and weaken the overall impact it could of have. Almost, like it over did it with the psychological insights. Never the less even in the last episodes their were moments that seemed brilliant and tender. I am definitely glad I watched it, and personally benefited from its discussions on guilt and the issues that arise from it. I will omly add that the film serms to go beyond the question of marital happiness and seems actually about the nature of life and love itself. Just my opiniom.

Out of all of Ingmar Bergman's movies I've watched, this one's probably my least favorite, although I do think that it is a very good movie.

It has all the qualities of a great Bergman film, but I just felt that the story was too mundane to be succesfully carried by Bergman's slow, dialogue heavy style for such a long runtime.

It's still really good though, and Liv Ullmann's performance alone makes it more than worth watching.