Scenes from a Marriage (Television Version)

Richmond Hill

Epic minutiae. A superbly modulated example of film (or as here, television; perhaps best suited to this form of existential microscopy) as mirror. Reflecting, dissecting then - to an extent - reconstructing, it subtly adds, or invites, layers of wise commentary on the frailties and vanities of life. Bergman's direction appears imperceptible until you realise - frequently - this is a master at work.

Francisco R.

A modest, chambery production of great, deep insight into the institution of marriage. Bergman's script may strike some viewers as too bitter and scornful, but if there ever was a writer/director more in tune with human unfulfilment and its doubts, that could draw such inspired eloquence and poetry in its dialogue, I have not yet seen. Sven Nykvist's dynamic and expressive camera work is specially worth mentioning.

ramosbarajas

Long, single-takes of people arguing, and more importantly, just talking are my kind of films. This one, being by Bergman, is, of course, a fantastic one. My favorite 'scenes' were the third Paula and the fifth The Illiterates. They are so realistic while at the same time so incomprehensible that one may be repelled from the action. Ullmann is of course the main show, with Andersson in a great supporting role.

Log Lady

Emotionally draining. Through simple backdrops and personal experience, B speaks so many truths about the contradictions of relationships and marriage. The move from a static state of banal routine, lying to yourself, what married couples "should" be and constructed identities to the realization that love is always imperfect, that a romantic fairy tale is a lie, is fantastic to experience. Unlike anything in cinema.

V.S. Luoma-aho

One of the Angst-Meister's finest. If your relationship is in an anxious state, I whole-heartedly recommend this purgatory of a Bergman. Afterwards: defenestration.

Nuno Ramalho

Catastrophic. Devastating. Chapter III is suffocating and you can't help commiserating with all of this misery. Basically, alterity in a nutshell. I think we all must bow towards Bergman.

Vanessa Schaefer

A supremely honest and true romance portraying our amazing capacity to hurt and forgive one another. Reminding us there is a difference between compatibility and sexual attraction, between a fleeting moments satisfaction and a 'working' life long relationship.

mubianer

Love, freedom, dependancy in a bourgeoise environment in socialist Sweden after the huge cultural shifts of the 60's. A marathon screening in the cinema for me, like Out 1 and Eight Hours Don't Make a Day, I just wish I brought a sandwich. Fits the Netflix era. Though I remember being even more impressed with the cinema version.