Couples Arguing

View Film & Video Inc.

• "The home truths that emerge are universal and undoubtedly apply to many couples." - The Sunday Express
• "What came across was the resilience of those whose lives weren't perfect." - The Observer
• "The immediacy and reality of the material produces considerable impact and would provoke vigorous student discussion." - Choice

Arguments between couples are an important aspect of interpersonal relationships. They allow the airing of divergent views so that a compromise becomes possible and violence is avoided.

Here is the first documentary to investigate real couples in actual arguments. To capture this with absolute spontaneity, the filmmakers had the couples call them whenever they were about to be embroiled in an argument. They would then go into separate rooms waiting for the documentary crew to arrive, when they would resume their argument.

Five couples are shown. They argue about issues such as money, sex, alcohol and children. Differences of opinions are vented humorously, passionately and sometimes venomously. One sees that despite seemingly irresolvable conflicts, couples have positive feelings towards one another. Couples thus argue as a way to be understood.

American Psychiatric Association, 1988
American Film and Video Festival, 1988
American Psychological Association, 1987

60 min. Video or DVD. Sale $195. Video rental $75