Scener ur ett äktenskap (Scenes from a Marriage) (1973)

94% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
93% of users liked it
(7,745 ratings)

Widely considered one of Ingmar Bergman's best works, this intense drama follows the marriage of Marianne (Liv Ullmann) and Johan (Erland Josephson) as it deteriorates from seemingly perfect to mutual aggression and cruelty. When Marianne learns of Johan's infatuation with another woman, the… More Widely considered one of Ingmar Bergman's best works, this intense drama follows the marriage of Marianne (Liv Ullmann) and Johan (Erland Josephson) as it deteriorates from seemingly perfect to mutual aggression and cruelty. When Marianne learns of Johan's infatuation with another woman, the relationship unravels, yet through it all, a deep, underlying love keeps the couple from breaking off all ties. This is the miniseries version of the film.

Rating, Runtime: PG, 4 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Ingmar Bergman
Written By: Ingmar Bergman
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Apr 11, 1973 Wide
On DVD: Mar 16, 2004

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
One of the truest, most luminous love stories ever made.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
It's a movie of such extraordinary intimacy that it has the effect of breaking into mysterious components many things we ordinarily accept without thought, familiar and banal objects, faces, attitudes, and emotions, especially love.
Don Druker, Chicago Reader
Bergman's screenplay leaves nothing to the imagination and turns the film into a windy soap opera most of the time; what might have been a masterpiece in the TV original (although I doubt it) becomes in its truncated form mostly elegant mush.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Left so little to the imagination.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
There is little plot to speak of -- the film's chief force lying in its dramatization of marital trauma -- but viewers will be deeply moved by the marvelous acting and the honesty of Bergman's screenplay.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The film is an uncompromisingly harrowing and honest account of male-female relationships.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Reflecting the feminist movement, this raw, uncompromising anatomy of marriage, centers on Liv Ullmann's doubts, despair and confusion after her husband leaves her
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A dramatically absorbing and psychologically rich portrait of a couple whose intimate relationship is falling apart and evolving into something quite different.
Mark Robison, Reno Gazette-Journal
It peels the skin off marriage to see how it really ticks.
Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing
This raw and uncompromising movie, which should be required viewing for anyone even thinking about getting hitched, has endured as one of Bergman's finest achievements.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
drives deep into a set of universal emotions with which anyone who has been in a serious relationship can identify on some level
Jake Euker, Filmcritic.com
Shot in 16mm and tightly photographed, the film is immediate and unflinching in its probity, its scenes ranging from the enormously cruel to the redemptive.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Any true Bergman fan's collection would be incomplete without this exceptional offering. Another fabulous winner from The Criterion Collection.
Moira Sullivan, Movie Magazine International
The shelf life of a marriage is meticulously plotted by Sweden's leading arthouse director. Not that the plotting is over: Saraband, is the master's newest edition to the marriage saga-- years after and will be released this year ( 2003).
, Film4
Bergman's film is full of acute, resonant observations on the emotional lives of its characters, the memory of which lingers long after the closing credits.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jim H

This film almost tops Closer as one of the meanest films ever. Some of the dialogue and actions are so emotionally damaging that it defies description. Josephson and Ullmann are truly amazing, and it occasionally seems like there wasn't even a script - that we're just… More
This film almost tops Closer as one of the meanest films ever. Some of the dialogue and actions are so emotionally damaging that it defies description. Josephson and Ullmann are truly amazing, and it occasionally seems like there wasn't even a script - that we're just looking in on these people's lives. However, I have two issues. First, it is clear to me from the beginning that this marriage is in trouble, and the fact that the characters are so naively oblivious almost makes us lose respect for them. Second, Bergman's quick zooms were annoying and unnecessary, and there were moments when the film was almost too claustrophobic. On a personal note, it was scary to see a true asshole use an argument that I used in real life. It doesn't necessarily mean the argument was wrong, but it made me wonder if my assholishness is beyond my comfort level.
Cassandra M

Rarely can there have been a wordier, more intense film than Ingmar Bergman's 'Scenes from a Marriage': over three hours of near-continuous dialogue, over 90% of which is shared by just two (of a total of six) characters in what are effectively just six lengthy scenes.… More
Rarely can there have been a wordier, more intense film than Ingmar Bergman's 'Scenes from a Marriage': over three hours of near-continuous dialogue, over 90% of which is shared by just two (of a total of six) characters in what are effectively just six lengthy scenes. Set over a number of years, they observe a couple's changing relationship, and in particular the gradual and ambiguous transfer of power from the husband to the wife. The characters fit a Scandanavian archetype, reserved rather than fiery, and intellectual to boot: of more modern films, only David Mamet's 'Oleanna' comes to mind as remotely similar, although the dialogue in that film is more forced and contrived than that in this one, which closer resembles that of Kieslowski, although the latter's films were of course much less wordy. If it sounds dreary, the surprising thing is how riveting it is: superb, economical acting, and the splendid script, keep you focused, even though not a lot (in the conventional sense) actually happens. And while you'll watch more accessible movies, it's certainly fair to say that you'll rarely see a film this old that feels less dated. It's not quite entertainment as usually defined; but it's certainly interesting.
Tim S

I watched the two hour and forty-five minute version of this film and maybe I am missing a lot. Either way, the acting is amazing throughout by the two leads. There scenes are great, but very draining emotionally. The reason that I would say that I like Cassavettes more because of the… More
I watched the two hour and forty-five minute version of this film and maybe I am missing a lot. Either way, the acting is amazing throughout by the two leads. There scenes are great, but very draining emotionally. The reason that I would say that I like Cassavettes more because of the personality that is put into each of the characters. I guess what I am saying is that is kind of hard to feel sorry for some really successful people who can do and feel whatever they want because they can afford to. And I thought the ending was kind of a cop out. In other words, I loved the characters and appreciated the fact that they were in love with one another, but on the other hand wondered why two selfish people like these even get married in the first place.
Mike T

Despite its brutal extremity, this is probably one of the most accurate portrayals of marriage to be committed to film. The painful insight and the layers of subtext in virtually every scene ensure that this is not a movie people will forget. Inventive, powerful and profoundly… More
Despite its brutal extremity, this is probably one of the most accurate portrayals of marriage to be committed to film. The painful insight and the layers of subtext in virtually every scene ensure that this is not a movie people will forget. Inventive, powerful and profoundly absorbing, this is a film that challenges its audience to face some hideous truths. The performances and the writing are as high-quality as they come. An instant favorite.
Tom S

An incredible achievement for Bergman, Ullmann, Josephson, and all involved; An incredible experience for everyone watching.
Anthony V

Let real actors and a real director show you how its done.