Every relationship has its ups and downs, but some relationships see more turmoil than tranquility. Cinema often dives into these stormy waters, giving us narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and empathy. Each film provides a unique perspective on the different ways relationships can falter, ranging from heartbreaking reality to the consequences of infidelity. These films offer a deep dive into the many facets of human relationships.
15. “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?” (1966)
Mike Nichols’ adaptation of Edward Albee’s play is a brutal examination of a marriage gone sour. With unforgettable performances from Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, the film displays a night of heavy drinking and emotional games that reveal the bitterness and disappointment beneath their relationship’s surface. It’s a cinematic masterpiece that offers an unflinching depiction of marital disillusionment.
14. “The War Of The Roses” (1989)
Danny DeVito’s black comedy dissects a marital relationship that devolves into literal warfare. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner shine as a couple whose initially picture-perfect relationship descends into bitter hatred, providing a darkly humorous look at the deadly endgame of a failing marriage.
13. “The Squid and the Whale” (2005)
Noah Baumbach’s semi-autobiographical film dives into the impact of a bitter divorce on an intellectual Brooklyn couple and their two sons. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney, as the couple, offer raw and powerful performances that illustrate the rippling effects of parental discord on the family dynamic.
12. “Scenes from a Marriage” (1973)
Ingmar Bergman’s mini-series turned film offers an intimate, unflinching gaze into the slow deterioration of a marriage, performed masterfully by Liv Ullmann and Erland Josephson. Bergman’s razor-sharp script and the authentic performances make for a profound study of compatibility, understanding, and the evolution of love.
11. “Modern Romance” (1980)
Albert Brooks, both the director and the star, presents a tale of obsession disguised as love. His character’s inability to function without his girlfriend, Kathryn Harrold, results in a cycle of breakups and reconciliations, providing a comedic but insightful look at unhealthy dependencies in relationships.
10. “Husbands and Wives” (1992)
Woody Allen’s film presents a stark, often uncomfortably realistic portrayal of couples dealing with dissatisfaction, infidelity, and the fear of aging. With a stellar cast that includes Allen, Mia Farrow, and Judy Davis, the film examines the complexities and paradoxes of love and the agonizing process of letting go.
9. “Martha” (1974)
Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, “Martha” is a chilling tale of emotional manipulation and control, where the failing relationship becomes more akin to hostage-taking. Margit Carstensen delivers a harrowing performance as the titular Martha, a woman gradually losing her identity within her marriage.
8. “Kramer Vs. Kramer” (1979)
Robert Benton’s “Kramer Vs. Kramer” is a heart-rending look at the impact of a divorce and subsequent custody battle on both the parents and the child involved. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep deliver unforgettable performances that underscore the emotional devastation of a failing relationship.
7. “Goodbye Again” (1961)
Anita Loos’ screenplay adapted from Françoise Sagan’s novel comes alive in Anatole Litvak’s “Goodbye Again”. It features Ingrid Bergman as a successful interior designer who falls into an emotionally taxing love triangle with Anthony Perkins and Yves Montand. It paints a poignant picture of love, age disparity, and the pain of unreciprocated feelings.
6. “Crazy Love” (2007)
This documentary directed by Dan Klores dives into the tumultuous and disturbing love story between Burt Pugach and his obsession, Linda Riss. Despite being real life, the events it chronicles feel cinematic in their tragedy, highlighting the destructive potential of obsessive love.
5. “Carnal Knowledge” (1971)
Directed by Mike Nichols and written by Jules Feiffer, “Carnal Knowledge” explores the often misguided masculine perspectives on sex, love, and relationships. Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel star as college roommates navigating the tumultuous world of romantic and sexual relationships, demonstrating how male objectification and emotional detachment can contribute to failed relationships.
4. “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” (1958)
Adapted from Tennessee Williams’ play, director Richard Brooks brings to screen a tale of seething resentments and unspoken truths. Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman star as a southern couple ensnared in a marriage crippled by bitterness and deception. The film’s power lies in the unmasking of their failing relationship, revealing the intricate layers of denial, love, and desperation.
3. “Blue Valentine” (2010)
Directed by Derek Cianfrance and featuring powerhouse performances from Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, “Blue Valentine” is a gut-wrenching exploration of love and its untimely death. Cianfrance, along with co-writers Cami Delavigne and Joey Curtis, deftly weave past and present timelines to portray a relationship’s joyous beginning and its devastating end. The film poses difficult questions about love, commitment, and the harsh reality of irreconcilable differences.
2. “An Unmarried Woman” (1978)
This poignant film directed by Paul Mazursky is a liberating tale of Erica (Jill Clayburgh), who, after her husband leaves her for a younger woman, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As a narrative focused on a woman’s liberation following the breakdown of her marriage, “An Unmarried Woman” provides a stark look at the societal expectations faced by women. Clayburgh delivers a powerful performance that personifies the struggle between the need for individual identity and the pressure to conform to traditional roles.
1. “5×2” (2003)
Directed by François Ozon, and penned by Emmanuèle Bernheim and Ozon himself, “5×2” takes a unique approach to its narrative structure, examining the dissolution of a marriage in reverse. Starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Stéphane Freiss as the doomed couple, this film delves into the tragedy of failed expectations and deep-seated resentments. The performances and the screenplay dissect the dynamics of a crumbling relationship through key events, exploring the heartbreak of lost love and missed opportunities in an intimate and soul-stirring way.
Each film on this list provides a unique lens into the different ways relationships can fail, showcasing a wide array of perspectives and situations. Whether it’s the heartbreaking reality of falling out of love or the consequences of infidelity, these films offer a deep dive into the complexities of human relationships.
