Liv Ullmann credited as playing...
Marianne
- Marianne: Sometimes it grieves me that I've never loved anyone. I don't think I've ever been loved either. That distresses me.
- Johan: Now you're being dramatic.
- Marianne: Am I?
- Johan: I know what I feel. I love you in my selfish way. And I think you love me in your fussy, pestering way. We love each other in an earthly and imperfect way.
- Marianne: Our mistake was that we never broke free from our families to create something worthwhile on our own terms.
- Marianne: I know why Katarina and Peter go through hell. They don't speak the same language. They have to translate everything into a common language.
- Johan: I think it's simpler than that.
- Marianne: You and I understand each other. We speak the same language. That's what makes us click.
- Johan: I think it's the money.
- Marianne: Suddenly I turned and looked at an old school picture from back when I was 10. I seemed to detect something that had eluded me up to then. To my surprise I must admit that I don't know who I am. I haven't the vaguest idea. I've always done as I was told. As far as I can remember I've been obedient, well-adjusted, almost meek. I did assert myself once or twice as a girl, but Mother punished any lapses from convention with exemplary severity. My entire upbringing and that of my sisters, was aimed at making us agreeable. I was ugly and awkward, a fact I was constantly reminded of. I later realized that if I kept my thoughts to myself, and was ingratiating and predictable, my behavior yielded rewards. The most momentous deception began at puberty. All my thoughts, feelings and actions revolved around sex. But this I never told my parents. Or anyone at all, for that matter. Being deceitful and secretive became second nature to me. My father wanted me to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer. I dropped hints that I wanted to be an actress. You know what? I think I'm breaking free at last. But they laughed at me. Since then I go on pretending. Faking my relationships with others, with men. Always putting on an act in a desperate attempt to please. I've never considered what I want, but only, "What does he want me to want?" It's not unselfishness, as I used to believe. It's sheer cowardice. Even worse, it stems from my being ignorant of who I am.
- Fru Palm, Journalist: So, how would you describe yourselves in a few words?
- Johan: That's tricky.
- Fru Palm, Journalist: Is it?
- Johan: I might give you the wrong impression.
- Fru Palm, Journalist: You think so?
- Johan: It sounds cocky if I say I'm bright, youthful, successful and sexy. My mind has a global scope, I'm educated and I'm a great mixer. What else? I'm a good friend, even to those less fortunate than myself. I'm sporty, and I'm a good father and a good son. I don't have any debts, and I pay my taxes. I respect our government, no matter what. I love our royal family. I don't belong to the state church. Is that good, or do you want more details? I'm a fantastic lover. Isn't that right, Marianne?
- Fru Palm, Journalist: Maybe we should skip that question. Your turn, Marianne.
- Marianne: What can I say? I'm married to Johan and we have two daughters. I can't think of anything else.
- Fru Palm, Journalist: Sure you can.
- Marianne: I think Johan is very nice.
- Johan: How kind of you.
- Marianne: We've been married for ten years.
- Johan: Yes, I just renewed the contract.
- Marianne: I lack Johan's boundless self-assurance, but in all honesty, I'm happy I lead the life I do. It's a good life, if you know what I mean. What else should I say? This is difficult.
- Johan: She has a great figure.
- Marianne: Are you good together in bed?
- Johan: Yes, we are, actually. At first it was awful. I wasn't used to it. Being with other women, I mean. I guess you and I have spoiled each other. You and I have taken refuge in a hermetically sealed existence. Everything's been orderly, and it's all gone like clockwork. But the lack of oxygen has smothered us.
- Marianne: And now your little *Paula* will revive you?
- Marianne: Yesterday I was seized by a reckless gaiety. For the first time this year, I felt a zest for life, eager to know what the day might bring.
- Marianne: I wanted to have sex with you today to see if I felt anything. All I felt was lukewarm affection. You know what? I think I'm breaking free at last. It's taken a long time and it's been very painful, but I'm free of you now to start my own life, and it feels absolutely wonderful.
- Johan: Allow me to congratulate you.
- Johan: When did you meet?
- Marianne: A few years ago. To be frank, it was a sexual affair.
- Johan: I see.
- Marianne: Henrik is very - how should I put this? Convincing in that respect. He really enjoys sex. And he made me realize that I felt the same way. I wasn't all that keen on it before.
- Johan: So I remember.
- Johan: Promise me: no more intimate truths tonight.
- Marianne: I promise.
- Johan: Promise me you won't mention that orgasmic athlete again.
- Marianne: Not a word.
- Johan: Promise to rein in your awful levelheadedness.
- Marianne: That will be difficult, but I'll try.
- Johan: Could you possibly - I say possibly - use your boundless feminine powers sparingly?
- Marianne: I see that I'll have to.
- Johan: All right, then. Let's go to bed.
- Marianne: I persevere. I enjoy myself. I rely on common sense and my gut feeling. They work in tandem. I'm content with my direction. Time has given me a third partner: experience.
- Johan: [at a dinner party with friends] Listen to this: "Marianne's eyes are as blue as a folk song and are lit up form within. When I ask her how she copes with it all, she smiles in shy delight and replies that she and Johan both pitch in." Which happens to be true. "'We understand each other,' she replies, brightening as Johan sits down next to her on the heirloom sofa. Proactively, he puts his arm around her, eliciting a smile." Here comes the best bit. "As I take my leave, I notice how they secretly appreciate that fact so they can bask in each other's presence once more. Two souls who have matured together sharing a positive outlook, yet never forgetting to put love in the forefront."
- Marianne: We were mortified when we read it.
- Johan: I considered taking action, but our mothers adored the piece.
- Johan: Sometimes I wonder why we complicate this problem so awfully. Making love is pretty basic. It shouldn't be a huge, overshadowing issue. It's your mother's fault, if you ask me, though you don't like my saying so.
- Marianne: What a superficial analysis.
- Johan: Don't be a sourpuss. I'm being nice.
