The best way to thoroughly understand the films and theories of a certain director is to view as much of their work as possible. With Ingmar Bergman, the greatest Swedish director and one of the cinema's most enigmatic figures, it is no easy task. There are so many layers and levels to his films, implying the same goes for himself. After seeing his final work as a film director, I can honestly say these past few weeks during which I viewed at least 15 of his films have been the saddest, most depressing and thoughtful weeks of my life. Never has any other filmmaker been so challenging and stimulating as the quiet, serene Swede.
In this quiet and serene work, Bergman explores even further the underlying emotions and feelings from the same characters as his great 1973 masterpiece, Scenes from a Marriage. He uses the passing of time and old age as catalysts to understand what the couple of Johan and Marianne have done since their marriage and what they continue to do now and why. A few other characters are introduced; Johan's son from another relationship, Henrik, and his daughter, Karin. These four people have much to say, particularly Johan and Marianne. Some scenes are so brutal in their depiction of raw feeling it can be hard to contemplate how someone could act so. Yet, Bergman never looks away, lingering his close-ups in order to extract as much as possible from the faces of these people.
Watching this, I had greater and deeper understanding and affection for the entire arc of Bergman's career. In many ways, my life mirrors his, thus I feel similar to life as he does. Prior to seeing films like The Seventh Seal and Cries and Whispers, I never knew another person could so exemplify what I felt about life, death and God as he did. Now I know and feel much more empowered to carry on with my own life with the knowledge he has given me. Now, he is gone and it is sad. Yet, he wouldn't dwell on that, but rather carry on with what can be done. I thank you, Ingmar, for your empowering films and will never forget how you have changed my life.
In this quiet and serene work, Bergman explores even further the underlying emotions and feelings from the same characters as his great 1973 masterpiece, Scenes from a Marriage. He uses the passing of time and old age as catalysts to understand what the couple of Johan and Marianne have done since their marriage and what they continue to do now and why. A few other characters are introduced; Johan's son from another relationship, Henrik, and his daughter, Karin. These four people have much to say, particularly Johan and Marianne. Some scenes are so brutal in their depiction of raw feeling it can be hard to contemplate how someone could act so. Yet, Bergman never looks away, lingering his close-ups in order to extract as much as possible from the faces of these people.
Watching this, I had greater and deeper understanding and affection for the entire arc of Bergman's career. In many ways, my life mirrors his, thus I feel similar to life as he does. Prior to seeing films like The Seventh Seal and Cries and Whispers, I never knew another person could so exemplify what I felt about life, death and God as he did. Now I know and feel much more empowered to carry on with my own life with the knowledge he has given me. Now, he is gone and it is sad. Yet, he wouldn't dwell on that, but rather carry on with what can be done. I thank you, Ingmar, for your empowering films and will never forget how you have changed my life.