From the Life of the Marionettes (1980) is a psychological drama directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows the lives of Peter and Katarina Egermann, a wealthy, childless couple who have a troubled marriage. In the opening scene, Peter strangles a prostitute named Ka, and the rest of the film explores the events leading up to the murder, as well as the psychological aftermath of the crime.
The film is presented in a non-linear structure, jumping back and forth in time and incorporating dream sequences and a police investigation into Peter's motive for the murder. Throughout the film, we see glimpses of the Egermanns' dysfunctional marriage, their sexual and emotional frustrations, and Peter's increasing sense of alienation and despair. Bergman uses motifs of marionettes and puppetry to explore the themes of control and manipulation in human relationships.
The film features a stellar cast, including Robert Atzorn as Peter, Christine Buchegger as Katarina, and Martin Benrath as the detective investigating the murder. From the Life of the Marionettes is a bleak and unsettling exploration of human psychology and the darker aspects of human relationships.
