MARRIAGE STORY
AT FIRST GLANCE,
BLU-RAY
Marriage Story seems like six (or so) characters in search of a Woody Allen film. But it soon settles into writerdirector Noah Baumbach’s own rhythm as two self-absorbed, narcissistic artistic personalities move toward a break-up and into the clutches of divorce lawyers. Charlie, an on-the-rise theater director, and Nicole, an actress in his New York City troupe, have shared a life that revolves around stage productions and a young son. But Nicole wants her own life— one beyond that of her not surprisingly controlling director/mate. Meanwhile, Charlie needs to be completely artistically absorbed, and to enjoy the freedom to reap the extramarital rewards of his celebrity and status. Painful, yet humorous scenes depicting each spouse’s interaction with manipulative, fear-inducing attorneys alternate with ones showing the couple’s individual sadness—along with fury over their partner’s deeply disappointing failure to satisfy their wants and needs.
In Criterion’s 4K transfer, bright images of Los Angeles are filled with saturated colors, even lighting, and unobtrusive, often unremarkable static camerawork. These are contrasted with atmospherically lit tracking shots of New York City stages, rehearsal rooms, and restaurants. Sufficient grain gives everything a film-like look, and images are detailed enough to allow skin flaws to add to the realism.
Long, episodic scenes in this subtly building drama are filled with sharp, observant writing and acting that reveals the many sides of the conflict. The dialogue is crisp, full, and always clear, even during screaming no-holds-barred psycho-dramatics where deeply buried feelings are let loose. The surrounds are used effectively to immerse you in the strings, piano, and occasional horns of a surprisingly subtle and moving Randy Newman score that never leads emotions, but instead lets you muse on them following a scene.
Extras include three 20-minute interview segments. Baumbach explains what he hoped to explore with the film. Cast members discuss their experience with the material and director, and crew explain the production challenges. Best of all: Newman recording an orchestra and 98 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage of Baumbach directing actors through various takes in an attempt to hit emotional pay dirt.
l