Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970) review

Tina (Carrie Snodgress), who lives with her emotionally and verbally abusive lawyer husband Jonathan (Richard Benjamin, cast way against type) and their bratty children (who make fun of her) decides to "change things up" by having an affair with a writer (Frank Langella) who is also cruel and belittling.  I get the feminist message being sent here - Snodgress' character is reliant on her spouse for support and is trapped in a miserable situation - but watching her get torn down scene after scene (Benjamin screaming "Tiiiiiina!" is infuriating) goes from being pitiable to redundant quickly and it might lead one to wonder what makes some individuals go from one terrible relationship to another, but the movie doesn't explore Tina's personal history in any sort of depth.  There is a fascinating scene at the end, however: when Jonathan loses all of his money, confesses his infidelity and asks to rebuild their marriage you get a glimpse of what he might have been when he was courting her.  Oh, sweet nothings....