How Marriage Breakdown is Characterised in TV and Film

Many of us spend hours watching TV but have we thought about how marriage breakdown is characterised? Read on and discover what it really means.

Marriage breakdown is a complex and emotional experience that affects millions of people worldwide. The topic has been explored in many different TV shows and films, providing an opportunity for audiences to witness how divorce impacts couples and families.

When it comes to our divorces, our understanding can be warped by what we see on screen. However, a family law firm in London, Leicester, Loughborough or wherever you live can help give clarity to the situation if you’re currently thinking about divorce.

In this article, we will examine some of the well-known TV shows and films that cover divorce, as well as classic tropes of divorce on TV. We will also discuss the impact these stories have on audiences and how they shape our understanding of marriage breakdown.

TV Shows and Films that Cover Divorce

Kramer vs. Kramer

“Kramer vs. Kramer” is a 1979 classic movie that tells the story of a couple who get divorced and fight for custody of their son. The film is a powerful exploration of the emotional toll that divorce can take on parents and children. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

The War of the Roses

“The War of the Roses” is a 1989 black comedy film that follows a couple who go through a bitter and acrimonious divorce. The movie explores the darker side of divorce and how it can bring out the worst in people. The film stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner and was directed by Danny DeVito.

Marriage Story

“Marriage Story” is a 2019 Netflix drama film that explores the topic of divorce in a powerful and emotional way. The movie tells the story of a couple who are going through a divorce and the impact it has on their family. It is a poignant portrayal of the emotional turmoil that can come with the breakdown of a marriage. The film stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver and was directed by Noah Baumbach.

The Good Wife

“The Good Wife” is a legal drama TV show that ran from 2009 to 2016. The show follows a woman who is forced to return to work as a lawyer after her husband is involved in a sex scandal. The show examines the challenges of balancing work and family life after a marriage has broken down. The show stars Julianna Margulies and won several awards, including five Primetime Emmy Awards.

Classic Tropes of Divorce on TV

Divorcees getting back together after bumping into each other again

One classic trope of divorce on TV is the idea of divorcees getting back together after bumping into each other again. This is often used as a way to create romantic tension between the characters, and to show that even though their marriage broke down, there is still a chance for them to reconcile. This trope is seen in many TV shows and films, including “Friends,” “Sex and the City,” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Divorcees forced to spend time together and getting back together

Another classic trope is divorcees forced to spend time together and getting back together. This is often seen in TV shows and films where the couple has children together, and they are forced to spend time together for the sake of their children. Over time, they begin to realise that they still have feelings for each other and decide to give their relationship another chance. This trope is seen in shows like “The Parent Trap” and “One Day at a Time.”

Divorcees who just cannot get along but have to have a family gathering

A third classic trope of divorce on TV is divorcees who just cannot get along but have to have a family gathering. This is often used as a way to create comedic tension between the characters. Despite their best efforts, they cannot seem to get along, and their interactions with each other are filled with awkwardness and tension. This trope is seen in TV shows like “Modern Family” and movies like “Four Christmases.”

Impact on Audiences

The portrayal of divorce in TV shows and films can have a significant impact on audiences. These stories can shape our understanding of marriage breakdown and influence how we approach divorce in our own lives. They can also provide a sense of comfort and reassurance that we are not alone in our experiences.

For example, “Marriage Story” has been praised for its realistic portrayal of divorce and the emotional turmoil it can bring. Many viewers have identified with the characters and their struggles, and the film has sparked conversations about the impact of divorce on families.

On the other hand, the use of classic tropes of divorce on TV can perpetuate unrealistic expectations about divorce and reconciliation. While these tropes can be entertaining, they can also give viewers a false sense of hope that their own marriage breakdown can be fixed in a similar way.

Using on screen divorce for comfort…

In conclusion, TV shows and films have explored the topic of divorce in various ways, from heart-wrenching dramas to comedic takes on family gatherings. While these stories can be entertaining and thought-provoking, they can also have a significant impact on audiences’ understanding of marriage breakdown.

It is important to approach these stories with a critical eye and to understand that they are fictional representations of complex and emotional experiences. If you are experiencing marriage breakdown in your own life, it is important to seek the help of a family law firm to navigate the legal and emotional challenges that come with divorce.