Irene Wagner, the wife of the prominent German scientist Professor Albert Wagner, had been having an affair with Erich Baumann. She does not disclose this to her husband, hoping to preserve his innocence and their "perfect marriage". This fills her with anxiety and guilt. However, Johanna Schultze, Erich's jealous ex-girlfriend, learns about the affair and begins to blackmail Irene, turning Irene's psychological torture into a harsh reality.
Acting
Bergman's silent breakdowns hit harder than any dialogue.
Direction
Rossellini strips melodrama bare until only dread remains.
Cinematography
Shadows that swallow rooms whole.
Director
Roberto Rossellini
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made during Rossellini and Bergman's real-life affair scandal—art imitating life imitating art.
Often overshadowed by their earlier collaborations, this is actually their most brutally honest film about marriage.
IT
