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.

• John B

  
  Possibly one of the most accurate films about the beginnings of the end of marraige and the circumstances that bring it about. You can imagine similar stories unfolding among couples that reach a breaking point in their relationships. One of Bergman's finest.

• Jason V

  
  Six episodes over the course of one relationship, Scenes from a Marriage can be cruel, uncomfortable and embarrassing, but, ultimately, it is honest. The film is sparse, keeping to the main two characters for most of the running time while the half hours "scenes" prevent… More
  Six episodes over the course of one relationship, Scenes from a Marriage can be cruel, uncomfortable and embarrassing, but, ultimately, it is honest. The film is sparse, keeping to the main two characters for most of the running time while the half hours "scenes" prevent the audience from getting away from the drama. In that regard, Bergman helps the viewer to feel the same sense of hopelessness the characters do. Is this a film for everyone? No. It's nearly three hours, deals with some uncomfortable subjects, tends to the emotionally raw and is subtitled. But the craft on display, the concept, the guts to do present this information...most likely a must for film fans.

• 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.

• Ivan D

  
  Originally aired on television as a six-part miniseries, Ingmar Bergman's "Scenes from a Marriage" is an epic chronicle of the on and off marriage between Johan (Erland Josephson) and Marianne (Liv Ullmann), two middle-aged professionals, and how their relationship,… More
  Originally aired on television as a six-part miniseries, Ingmar Bergman's "Scenes from a Marriage" is an epic chronicle of the on and off marriage between Johan (Erland Josephson) and Marianne (Liv Ullmann), two middle-aged professionals, and how their relationship, throughout the years, has transitioned from the superficial to the heavily conditional to the beautifully transcendental. The film, which is Ingmar Bergman's highly intelligent and realistic examination of the complexity of modern marriage, is, so far, the most honest and thorough 'marriage' film that I've ever seen. And thanks to the neutral emotional reality that the film has presented, I was able to watch the film objectively and without any gender-related predilections. The film, after all, is never about some sort of war between sexes. What "Scenes from a Marriage" is in fact all about is the idea that giving up on a marriage doesn't necessarily mean that you're also giving up on love. Sometimes, as what the film ironically and controversially suggests, to remove oneself from the conventions of a superficial marriage may result on love in a deeper context. Johan and Marianne, two romantic souls who initially thought that they have grown tired and contemptuous of each other and that they can be happy again in the arms of other people, have discovered, in a very hard way, that it's not each other that they are tired of but the mere shackles of their humdrum of a marriage; and that in the end, even though it's some other people they want, it's only each other that they truly need. Highly unusual for Ingmar Bergman, "Scenes from a Marriage" never delves into visual and thematic profundity perhaps because its ideas are expressed not through stunning images and moods but through spoken words. Even Sven Nykvist, known for his masterful, almost dream-like approach to cinematography, takes on a more urgent and simple style for this one. After all, with this project, it was Bergman's utilitarian intent to reach a wider audience, and indeed, he has succeeded; so much that he was ultimately forced to change his telephone number so as to avoid countless random calls from couples seeking marriage advice. As for the performances, it's but given for both Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson (both Bergman regulars) to deliver multifaceted performances that are as incendiary as they are tender. And although by no means am I saying that both Ms. Ullmann and Mr. Josephson are unattractive (Ullmann is in fact one of the most luminous faces in all of cinema), they have both embodied the personalities of the married couple in a way that they wouldn't care less on how they would look in a dingy pajama or in a business attire. Unlike other 'marriage' films nowadays where actors are chosen based on their looks and how their face values would help in endearing the story to the audience, which almost always results in disastrous alienation, "Scenes from a Marriage" begs to differ. By presenting Johan and Marianne in a very non-special way, both physically and emotionally (they were even branded as 'emotional illiterates'), the audience, with its television success as withstanding proof, were able to connect easily with the couple in all their vulnerabilities and imperfections. "Scenes from a Marriage", with its almost 3 hours running time, may prove to be quite infuriating to watch for some, especially because of the fact that it's a dialogue-driven, often visually static film. But do watch it for the performances, the energy and the insights. Believe me, it will be one of the most realistically introspective films you'll ever see about relationships and, ultimately, about love after marriage. This is Bergman channeling his inner marital therapist, and he does not disappoint.

• 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.

Read all 9 featured audience ratings