Marriage Story (2019)
Raiting: 
7,9 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Noah Baumbach
Stars: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Laura Dern
Country: United States
Release date: 28 September 2019
Length: 136 minutes
"Marriage Story" (2019), directed by Noah Baumbach, is a deeply emotional narrative that chronicles the dissolution of a marriage and the family's attempt to stay intact amidst the chaos. The film focuses on the lives of Charlie Barber (played by Adam Driver), a successful theater director in New York, and his wife, Nicole Barber (played by Scarlett Johansson), a former teen film actress.
The film opens with both Charlie and Nicole delivering heartfelt monologues about what they love about each other, which is revealed to be an exercise suggested by their mediator to facilitate their separation process. Nicole, unwilling to continue, leaves for Los Angeles with their son Henry to shoot a TV pilot and decides to stay there, marking the beginning of their bicoastal split.
While Nicole begins to establish her new life in Los Angeles with Henry, Charlie remains in New York, juggling his theater work and frequent trips to Los Angeles to spend time with his son. As Nicole hires a sharp attorney, Nora Fanshaw (played by Laura Dern), to represent her, what initially seemed to be an amicable separation begins to turn into a bitter and costly legal battle, with Charlie hiring his own attorneys to fight for his rights as a father.
As the divorce proceedings escalate, the couple's relationship becomes increasingly strained, leading to a heart-wrenching argument where years of pent-up frustration and resentment are unleashed. Despite the bitterness, the film also captures moments of tenderness and mutual respect between Charlie and Nicole, reminding the audience of the love that once existed between them.
The film concludes with Charlie and Nicole officially divorced and navigating their new lives as single parents. Despite the pain and turmoil of their separation, they maintain a sense of family for the sake of their son. In the final scene, Charlie reads aloud the letter that Nicole had written about him at the beginning of the film, highlighting the enduring affection beneath their conflict.
"Marriage Story" is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With its powerful performances and thoughtful narrative, the film offers an authentic and poignant depiction of the agonizing process of divorce and the resilience of the human spirit amidst life's most challenging moments.
Top cast - Marriage Story (2019)
Trailer - Marriage Story (2019)
"Marriage Story", directed by Noah Baumbach, is an intimate and heart-wrenching examination of a couple navigating the turbulent waters of divorce. The film is an incisive and compassionate portrait of a relationship at its breaking point and the collateral damage wrought on the family unit. With standout performances from its leads, Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, "Marriage Story" delivers a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Adam Driver's portrayal of Charlie Barber is a tour de force, capturing a man who is at once controlling yet vulnerable, his love for his craft rivaled only by his love for his family. Scarlett Johansson's Nicole is equally compelling, reflecting a woman rediscovering her independence and voice while grappling with the end of her marriage. The chemistry between Driver and Johansson is palpable, as they masterfully navigate the complex emotions of their characters, from the lingering affection to the explosive confrontations that punctuate their separation.
The supporting cast, including Laura Dern as Nicole's attorney, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta as Charlie's legal counsel, contribute significantly to the film's emotional depth and authenticity. Dern's performance, in particular, is a standout, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of the shrewd and empathetic lawyer is both entertaining and thought-provoking, highlighting the often adversarial nature of divorce proceedings.
Noah Baumbach's direction and screenplay are meticulous, with a script that balances sharp dialogue with moments of silence that speak volumes. The film's pacing allows the audience to fully engage with the characters' journey, feeling every nuance of their pain, confusion, and fleeting moments of joy. Baumbach's ability to find humor in the midst of heartache is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.
The cinematography by Robbie Ryan complements the film's tone, with a naturalistic style that underscores the raw emotions on display. The score by Randy Newman is subtle yet affecting, never overshadowing the performances but rather enhancing the film's poignant moments. "Marriage Story" excels in its technical aspects, but it is the narrative and performances that leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, "Marriage Story" is a masterful film that offers a candid look at the complexities of love, the painful reality of divorce, and the enduring bonds of family. It is a film that elicits empathy and reflection, inviting viewers to consider the delicate threads that hold relationships together. Baumbach has crafted a narrative that is as much a work of art as it is a slice of life, solidifying "Marriage Story" as one of the most significant films of its genre.