How an Argument Resonates in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ | Anatomy of a Scene

A couple has an argument that escalates in this scene from “Anatomy of a Fall,” the drama from Justine Triet that won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2023, then went on to receive five Oscar nominations this year, including best picture.
In the film, the couple’s fight begins as audio that is presented in court where Sandra (Sandra Hüller) is on trial for the death of her husband, Samuel (Samuel Theis).
Then, Triet makes the choice to show visuals of the fight, rather than only providing us the sound. We move from the courtroom into this domestic scene in the kitchen. Narrating the sequence, she explained that “sound has the power to give the perfect illusion of the present,” so she wanted to add visuals to give a more complete picture of the fractures between these two people.
Triet decided to shoot the scene with two cameras, “not to lose any of their energy,” she said. And she wanted to the scene to take place during daylight, with the sun shining through a window.
“Often, very dramatic, intimate scenes are used to being filmed at night, as if intimacy were separate from the rest of life,” she said. “And here, I choose the opposite. And the contrast between light and violence is even stronger for me.”
Read the New York Times review here: nyti.ms/3UZDBWA
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[@manumyon7999]

This was the best scene in the whole movie. Brutal and hard hitting. Especially when you yourself have lived with self-pity and self-loathing your entire life 😓

[@TheCoolerDanny]

Exactly, this scene made me so uncomfortable. So accurate it hurts to watch.

[@milam.335]

Precisely

[@taylormullen2815]

"English is where they meet." Wow, her explanation is amazing. She has a brilliant mind. She describes exactly what it's like to argue with a loved one.

[@mithilbhoras5951]

Sandra ate everyone up with her towering performance.

[@tripichin86]

This scene makes this movie go to a different level. Everything works and flows naturally: Acting, camera work, writing, sound, transitions, etc

[@LadyLazauraus]

"But we live in France" OH MY GOD! Brilliant screenplay

[@gianllucasimi]

I watched this last night and that fight scene irked me. Samuel saying "we even speak YOUR language" to his GERMAN wife who speaks to him in English whilst living in HIS hometown is the stamp of how resentfully mediocre Samuel was. A hurt ego because his wife was more successful than he, especially at what he wanted to do most of all. Nothing as destructive quite like the hurt ego of a mediocre man!

[@gonaye1]

The energy! The ENERGY. Even when muted you can still feel EVERY emotion Sandra and Samuel are feeling just by looking at their faces. Just incredible work. Acting with a Capital ‘A.’

[@K.C-2049]

not an "Oscars" performance, though. not over dramatized and wanky and crocodile tears.

[@sabrinademario8934]

The script of Triet and the performance of Hüller are TOP.

[@marielebars7233]

Great script, Great scénario

[@tejash21]

I admired how calm, logical, yet caring she was during most of this.

[@tionemalunga8198]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😂😂😂

[@carlosvillacis2263]

It came off cold and heartless to me

[@australopithecusafarensis9200]

@@carlosvillacis2263not at all

[@florencepi6232]

​@@carlosvillacis2263same for me

[@floolo1]

i think the brilliance of this scene and why it became so well known is that the dynamics and feelings are so complex. its not so easy to say someone is caring and the other is not. its endless complex with so much going on. e.g when she tells him: "i love you" right atvthe beginning of the arguement. does she feel it? maybe. but maybe its also a feeling of the past, maybe she wants to reassure herself. she wants to ease him up because they have been in this situation maybe countless of times before. she knew where this was heading. both knew - painful to watch cause the acting of hueller is just so surreal i left the cinema in awe of her talent. she has a subtle german/british accent in this but doesn't have in real life. its only because her character is from german heritage and they lived in london. its crazy how much thought and details went in every frame of this. mind blowing

[@rioapril7045]

‘She has the power to give the perfect illusion of the present, of reality’ That is so spot-on

[@thomasmagnum3588]

This better get the screenplay Oscar, one of the best domestic argument scenes ever filmed.

[@kadekindraradityaputra3411]

Yes it won

[@yaroslavvdovenko3482]

This is the Oscar for best acting from Sandra 100%...but academics doesn't probably think so

[@AlanBetancourtArredondo]

Brilliantly directed, brilliantly scripted, and most importantly brilliantly acted by both Sandra and Samuel, specially Huller because not only from the powerful statements and her passion coming though out her words but you can actually feel how she tries to control her emotions again and again each time Samuel confronts her before erupting in the violence we can't see, only hear. The climax of the film and it certainly delivers.

[@idletalker]

Justine is a brilliant writer and director, what she achieved with her partner and Sandra Hüller and the other actors in Anatomy of a Fall is a symphony of a director and actor making magic together.

[@danielpineros8122]

4:23 Samuel is looking at how stunning Sandra's performance is 🤩

[@phantomframe]

Brilliant film, brilliant scene. I’m so glad this film got attention-it was so well deserved

[@googlyer]

this film is definitely the best picture to watch in year 2023 its screenplay is just astounding - its intriguing, compelling, and the ambiguity and realism infuse together is just magnificent. 👏✨

[@nattycozy1]

Learned so much about directing by listening to this. How fascinating.!

[@englandsensation]

Brilliant film!!!!

[@TheLifestylerSum]

Fantastic acting, best scene of the movie

[@progyandas9650]

Best film made in years .

[@dominique217]

Now, I will watch. Thank you.

[@mariatrujillo5754]

This is wild❤ beautiful, amazing and perfect

[@rosacinelli5273]

Everything in this movie is so brilliant

[@teneshaanderson4761]

This whole movie is excellent

[@RS-oi9ty]

She should’ve won the Oscar, but she’s not an A-list, well-known actress who plays the Hollywood popularity game, so not surprised she didn’t win.

[@terradusa4219]

That’s such a tired and lame excuse. Neither were Marion Cotillard, Brie Larson or Olivia Colman when they won.

[@rics1883]

Sandra deserves to win over Emma, Lily

[@JohnBonini]

Absolutely. One could argue… twice.

[@muncangel5993]

The Academy doesn t understand film-art, let beside european film-art.. it s by now a silly, unimport and pathetic local award.

[@rics1883]

Could not agree more@@muncangel5993

[@missdee4927]

She didn't win but she should have.

[@olivierlechapeau3089]

​@@muncangel5993 Poor Things (for which Emma Stone won) is an european movie.

[@francoisb.4453]

masterful scene! masterful movie!

[@wordsflynow]

What a brilliant film!

[@bev9708]

Brilliant!!! Absolutely real and true and above all, adult!!!!!

[@khoonkepyase]

This scene is crazyyyy

[@johnson_]

Justine Triet is a great writer and director and this is a helluva scene. I look forward to seeing more from her.

[@ajluvzlondon4214]

a masterpiece of a film...

[@stepheninnes1483]

This was the most riveting scene of any film I saw last year.

[@siphillis]

I was absolutely the right call to show this argument. Part of the film's appeal is seeing two character being forced to relive and confront a vulnerable moment, so for them it's easy to see and feel all over again.

[@evieburt5633]

Fabulous movie

[@dr1kk3r]

This movie is incredible. I even have to pause while watching this video to take a breath. Speaks volume of one of the best if not the best film last year. Incredible

[@thenewongoam2486]

My Favourite film

[@lazaromurad322]

Sandra is just amazing! both in this and the zone of interest she got my attention since her first scene she has like this subtle force she is an incredible actress im glad I discovered her

[@osandoval5335]

This scene was amazing.

[@ksenijamoric9103]

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[@ljacobs357]

Now this is acting.

[@claranism]

This is probably the scene tt is gonna win Original Screenplay

[@benjamingann2675]

Simple thoughts, simple effects.

[@rootedinland6823]

I really like how we don't see Justine Triet, we only hear her voice, mirroring what she's describing.

[@ajordan1976]

Brava 🖤

[@joannd.5410]

Great movie for people that are “professional victims”

[@Bailey2006a]

No one would blame her if she did…insufferable wingeing is very hard to take . The loud music would have done it for me… lol

[@ceidrenv387]

Yes, I would blame her for murdering her husband in an act of horrifying domestic violence.

[@BigfishSonar]

"That's where we met" I am always amazed by some C2 French and German English speaker, that they are greatly eased with English words in their vocab pool, not only having their meaning crossed but in a poetic way.

[@gaston.]

Remarkable realism in both performance and writing. Bravo! There was no question as to her innocence, however (spoilers) the only script oddity is, that one would never attempt suicide by jumping out of a second story window.. a pain-a-side. It was by sheer luck that he hit his head.

[@laluna5177]

I disagree. I was never convinced of her innocence. But also not her guilt. Hence, the genius of the movie.

[@ssssssstssssssss]

The film quite lacked realism. It seemingly was trying to be realistic but the script constantly took constant liberties with realism in order to get out every message that the director wanted to put forth. It was rather undisciplined.

[@Ryu-ix8qs]

Wasn't it a third story window? Second story is the balcony, IIRC

[@webbe8292]

​@@ssssssstssssssss can you give an example of that? I didn't notice any major flaws.

[@ken__2526]

Funny thing is, her committing murder and him killing himself are probably both false. He probably just slipped or tripped on one of his tools (or the dog's ball, since Samuel was playing catch with Snoop in the beginning).

[@evieburt5633]

She did it.

[@awdheshmaithani4690]

Anatomy of a scene of "anatomy of a fall".....Wow! We will never know really what happened...Coz we weren't there (:

[@kokobeats4355]

Sandra Hüller is Nr.1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@jamie-936]

It’s only one that deserved an Oscar in 2024

[@JerryPster]

At the very end you hear her uninterrupted heavy breathing with a hitting sound while he is grunting in pain. Sounds like she was violently hitting him.

[@zanechi]

He was hitting himself. She could have ignored him more. Hitting him, what for? Use your brain.

[@JerryPster]

@@zanechiyes you are correct! I would have never thought of that. She did mention she was aware of him recording their conversations. Brilliant observation!

[@binary964]

If it was up to me I'd give best actress oscar to Sandra Hüller.

[@RaheelahSaqib]

Can't believe she lost Best Actress.

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[@stevenpatzner6962]

Does anyone at the New York times think they'll be implicated!?🤔👁️

[@user-po3my4kk6z]

Real news

[@jalfredprufrock620]

It was fascinating how people read this scene completely differently. Many seem to think Sandra is "winning" the argument because Samuel often falls silent, but this is clearly one random cross-section from a long series of conversations. I saw it as the husband refusing to repeat himself because they're retreading familiar ground. The impression I was left with was that Sandra subscribes to the "marry me a little" philosophy to long-term relationships. Murderer? Maybe, maybe not, but definitely not an ideal partner.

[@laluna5177]

Agree. My take on this scene that they were both speaking the truth from their perspective. That they were both right but also at fault within themselves and the relationship. To me, Sandra was very self-centered and self-focused. She saw things only through her narrow tunnel vision. But she also showed that she's been a survivor in a way in her tough life, managed to have success in her career and get away from not good circumstances. Her husband was obviously suffering and dealing with a lot of personal issues and he felt unseen by his wife. His needs were not being met in the relationship. However, there was probably also truth to that he had given up in some way and retreated,became passive. I was never convinved of her innocence. But also not of her guilt. Hence, the genius of the movie.

[@courtenaywrites]

I agree! I personally think she’s a narcissist. She has no empathy for him or his feelings at all. She just dismisses them constantly.

[@laluna5177]

@@courtenaywrites yes, agree!

[@michelehamilton961]

I feel the point is there is no ideal partner. Couples make plans with the best intentions but I can tell you life gets in the way esp if a partner is dealing with mental health issues on top of the stress of life.

[@kristinalfc5846]

I dont think shes dismissing his feelings, shes just refusing to be blamed for a situation he put himself in, like hes constantly saying theyre only doing things on her turf but his son's first language is french and theyre living in france so shes obviously made some compromises, shes just refusing to make any more, he's also the one that esacalated the argument and was quite cruel when he brought their son into it and thats when she exploded, so neither of them was being fair to the other ​@courtenaywrites

[@giulianogiroto8597]

Jack Nicas is the new Walter Duranty of the New York Times.

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Global Awareness drive Peace campaign is on. Join our Peace campaign.

[@rya2102]

Both have different mother tongues but prefer talking in English even when they live in France and both speak french. Does anyone know how is that phenomenon get called in linguistic?

[@mvxsr]

They met in london. In England. Where people speak English. Its why they would both speak English. That woman has nobody to talk to in her mother tongue. Her son never speaks a word of English, only French, and not German either. The linguistic phenomenon is not wanting to speak a THIRD language in the comfort of your own home while her husband doesn’t know any german.

[@yootoob-sd1cn]

Happy ramadan Sahih al-Bukhari » Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah) - كتاب النكاح » Hadith 5133 (39)Chapter: Giving one's young children in marriage(38)باب إِنْكَاحِ الرَّجُلِ وَلَدَهُ الصِّغَارَ Narrated `Aisha: that the Prophet (ﷺ) married her when she was six years old and he consummated his marriage when she was nine years old, and then she remained with him for nine years (i.e., till his death). حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ هِشَامٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم تَزَوَّجَهَا وَهْىَ بِنْتُ سِتِّ سِنِينَ، وَأُدْخِلَتْ عَلَيْهِ وَهْىَ بِنْتُ تِسْعٍ، وَمَكَثَتْ عِنْدَهُ تِسْعًا‏.‏

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This video, that superposes the inexpressive drone of a voice over and the inaudible dialogue of a dialogue scene, is unbearable to watch.

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My heartfelt condolence to Aaron Bushnell family and his relatives a US Airman posted in Israel for sacrificing his life for Palestinian rights and the genocide and injustice in Gaza. May his soul rest in peace....😢

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This woman is Patrick Schwarzenegger's face .

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🇧🇷 I am Brazilian and I live in Brazil, I come to denounce the absurdities that the Lula government, together with the press "media", Brazil's supreme federal court has been having dictatorial attitudes towards the entire right-wing electorate throughout the national territory. Brazil is under dictatorship, politicians, judges, the press and left-wing powers are committing all kinds of atrocities against any right-wing person or entity that thinks differently. We ask the world for help, because here we can no longer express our opinion. Brazil is under dictatorship! The Lula government and the Supreme Court judges appointed by him and his peers are committing all types of crimes against human rights. Brazil asks for help! Our 2022 elections had political interference from the United States government, specifically the Biden administration. We are being persecuted, arrested, our bank accounts are being blocked, we are having to flee Brazil. Where are the human rights bodies? Supreme Federal Court, all judges appointed by President Lula and his peers are committing crimes against human rights and due legal process. HELP! The media and press vehicles are all in favor of the DICTATORSHIP, they do not disclose the truth, they only speak lies in favor of the Lula government, they do not denounce the DICTATORSHIP, we have no one to turn to here in Brazil, all the institutions are corrupted with people from left. People have already died in jail because of illegal prosecutions by dictatorial judges! HELP!

[@asiaoharasbutterflies9425]

I walked out of this crap movie …

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