In Sickness and in Health: 10 Movie Marriages We Can’t Forget
10. The Out of Towners (1970)
In 'The Out of Towners,' George and Gwen Kellerman embody the ideal "us against the world" paradigm of a couple. Lost in hilariously unfriendly New York City in order to get George to a job interview, anything that can go wrong, goes wrong. These include losing their luggage, going on strike, and getting mugged. Even through the madness of screaming, paranoia, and utter chaos, their underlying connection stays firmly intact. This is a beautiful illustration of the durability of a healthy marriage, even through tough times.
9. The War Of The Roses (1989)
Oliver and Barbara Rose show a complete dark comedy take on how a seemingly perfect marriage turns into pure and absolute hatred. During their highly competitive divorce, the formerly luxurious house transforms into a battlefield, which leads the characters to wage war against each other. 'The War of the Roses' is a hilarious yet highly frightening cautionary tale about how dangerous revenge and bitterness can be. It perfectly shows just how thin the line between passion and destructive malice can become.
8. Shoot The Moon (1982)
'Shoot the Moon' is a painfully honest and mature look at the demise of a 15-year-long marriage between characters played by Albert Finney and Diane Keaton. Unlike any ordinary breakup story, the narrative explores the complex aftermath of separation, jealous competition, and the impact on their four children. The way the characters let themselves vent their emotions seems incredibly authentic and shows just how well these two people know how to push each other's buttons. The performances in this movie are highly professional and avoid unnecessary cliches.
7. Don’t Look Now (1973)
John and Laura Baxter have been married for a tragically short period after a drowning accident involving their daughter. Set amidst the gloomy atmosphere of winter in Venice, the two show their strong bond and love in an extremely famous and iconic scene. However, their grief takes its toll and slowly drives them apart, adding even more horror to the mounting dread. 'Don’t Look Now' is truly a masterpiece of film, which illustrates the nature of grief quite vividly.
6. Scenes From A Marriage (1973)
Perhaps the most influential film portrayal of a romantic relationship is Ingmar Bergman's clinical dissection of Johan and Marianne's marriage. Over the course of ten years, the couple experienced a range of events, including boredom, hidden dissatisfaction, cheating, divorce, and more. And each dialogue cut makes you feel their despair clearly. However, their emotional attachment stays with them, becoming almost impossible to shake off. It's a highly intimate watch that forces viewers to reflect on relationships.
5. On Golden Pond (1981)
The love story between Norman and Ethel Thayer is a beautiful example of a marriage in the last stages of its existence. The central themes in 'On Golden Pond' include Norman's declining memories and health condition, broken relationships with their daughter, and much more. Ethel is the only person protecting her husband from those challenges and showing a lot of affection towards him. The couple's natural chemistry makes the whole film feel like a heartwarming embrace.
4. Husbands And Wives (1992)
This film is an incredibly honest and fascinating study of marriage dynamics. When Gabe and Judy's longtime friendship is shaken because of the breakup of another couple, a domino effect starts affecting their own relationship, making it crumble before our eyes. Shot using a handheld camera, the approach gives this movie an authentic look inside a relationship in its last hours. 'Husbands And Wives' is a highly honest and revealing take on crumbling marriage and makes for a must-watch movie.
3. Another Year (2010)
There is no doubt about this couple being perfect, with Tom and Gerri representing the beautiful archetype of a happy married couple. The blissful and long-lasting relationship between them allows them to serve as a refuge for all of their struggling and unmarried friends for an entire year. While 'Another Year' avoids any exaggerated displays of love and passion, it showcases how powerful the feelings of mutual respect and comfort can be.
2. A Woman Under The Influence (1974)
'A Woman Under the Influence' offers a heartbreakingly chaotic portrayal of Nick and Mabel Longhetti's marriage. John Cassevites perfectly captured a situation of a blue-collar man struggling with his wife's mental illness. This movie shows that despite the couple's great love for each other, they lack the emotional skills to cope with the tragedy. This is a raw and unpolished take on the situation, with Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk elevating it through their legendary performances.
1. Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf (1966)
In our opinion, there is no more iconic example of dysfunctional relationships than 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,' which showcases George and Martha's marriage. Locked in bitter, alcohol-infused psychological warfare, they tear each other and their houseguests apart, using their toxic secrets. At the same time, their terrifyingly co-dependent bond that neither could survive without makes it hard for them to separate. It is a scorching masterpiece that proves some bonds are held together by the very fires that burn them.
