Marriage Story

Intimate exploration of a complicated divorce

Watch on Netflix
About Marriage Story

Released: 2019

Platform: Netflix

Rating: R

Run time: 2h 16m

Cast
Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Merritt Wever, Azhy Robertson

About Marriage Story

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About

Marriage Story is a 2019 drama film directed and written by Noah Baumbach. It explores the dissolution of a marriage between a stage director named Charlie and an actress named Nicole. The film explores their emotional journey as they navigate the complexities of divorce and custody battles while balancing their careers and personal lives.

The story is set in both New York City and Los Angeles and offers an intimate, raw, and honest portrayal of modern relationships and the difficulties faced when love turns into resentment. It delves into the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection.

Making / Production

Marriage Story was directed and written by Noah Baumbach, who based the story on his own experiences with divorce. Baumbach was known for his previous work on films such as "The Squid and the Whale" and "Frances Ha." The film was produced by David Heyman, who had previously produced films like "Harry Potter" series and "Gravity."

The production of Marriage Story involved an extensive casting process, with Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson being chosen to play the lead roles of Charlie and Nicole, respectively. The film was shot on location in New York City and Los Angeles, adding to the authenticity of the settings.

The film received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, realistic dialogue, and strong performances. It was praised for its nuanced portrayal of divorce and its impact on both individuals and their families.

Actors

  • Adam Driver as Charlie - Driver delivers a powerful performance as a stage director struggling through the complexities of divorce, showcasing his range as an actor.
  • Scarlett Johansson as Nicole - Johansson's portrayal of an actress navigating the emotional turmoil of a failing marriage is both compelling and heartbreaking.
  • Laura Dern as Nora Fanshaw - Dern plays a standout role as Nicole's divorce attorney, providing a strong supporting performance.
  • Alan Alda as Bert Spitz - Alda delivers a nuanced performance as Charlie's empathetic and experienced divorce lawyer.
  • Ray Liotta as Jay Marotta - Liotta brings intensity to the character of Jay Marotta, a no-nonsense divorce attorney representing Charlie.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Noah Baumbach drew inspiration for the film from his own divorce from actress Jennifer Jason Leigh.
  • Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's chemistry on set was praised by critics and audiences alike.
  • The film was shot in a relatively short period of time to maintain the intensity and authenticity of the performances.
  • Marriage Story was nominated for several major awards, including six Academy Awards.

Awards

Marriage Story received numerous awards and nominations, showcasing its critical acclaim and the exceptional performances of the cast. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Adam Driver), Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson), Best Supporting Actress (Laura Dern), and Best Original Screenplay (Noah Baumbach). It also won the Best Supporting Actress award for Laura Dern.

Quotes

  • "What I love about Charlie... he loves being a dad. He loves all the things you're supposed to hate, like waking up at night." - Nicole
  • "I don't want you to hate me." - Charlie
  • "The more I thought about it, the more I realized how ironic it was that, when I was in a marriage, I felt like I was alone. And when I was alone, I felt like I was in a marriage." - Nicole
  • "We're just trying to stay afloat when it feels like everything around us is collapsing." - Charlie

Music / Soundtrack

  • The soundtrack for Marriage Story features original music composed by Randy Newman. The score reflects the emotional depth and complexities of the characters' journey.
  • The film also includes songs such as "Being Alive" by Stephen Sondheim, which adds an additional layer of emotion to certain scenes.