https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-persona-1966
Persona was to me very challenging experience, both in trying to put together a coherent understanding of the vision of Bergman and some of the elements of the film. I was initially perplexed by the opening sequence until I read the review referenced above by Robert Ebert.
Persona, starring Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann, revolves around a young nurse named Alma (Andersson) and her patient, well-known stage actress Elisabet Vogler (Ullmann), who has suddenly stopped speaking. They move to a cottage, where Alma cares for Elisabet, confides in her, and begins having trouble distinguishing herself from her patient.
Persona is considered to be one of Bergman's greatest films and one of the most important films in the history of cinema. It has been praised for its innovative cinematography, complex characters, and psychological depth. The film has also been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation, with scholars debating its themes and meanings.
One of the most striking aspects of Persona is its visual style. Bergman and cinematographer Sven Nykvist used a variety of techniques to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The film is shot largely in close-up, with the camera often focusing on the faces of the two women. Bergman also used a number of experimental techniques, such as superimposition, to create a sense of dislocation and unease.
The performances of Andersson and Ullmann are also central to the film's success. Both actresses give mesmerizing and nuanced performances, capturing the complex and evolving relationship between their characters. Andersson is particularly impressive as Alma, a woman who is gradually losing her own identity as she becomes more and more enmeshed with Elisabet.
Persona is a complex and challenging film that rewards multiple viewings. It is a film that explores the nature of identity, the relationship between art and life, and the power of the human mind.
The film has been interpreted in many different ways, but it is ultimately up to the viewer to decide what it means. Some see it as a meditation on the nature of acting and the relationship between art and reality. Others see it as a more personal film about Bergman's own struggles with identity and faith.
Whatever its meaning, Persona is a powerful and unforgettable film that has stayed with audiences for over 50 years. It is a film that rewards multiple viewings and continues to be studied and discussed by film scholars and fans alike.
I hope next month to view Bergman's Wild Strawberries.
"Bergman began his career in the theatre, directing plays by Shakespeare, Strindberg, and Ibsen. He made his directorial debut in 1944 with the film Crisis, and went on to direct over 60 films during his career. Some of his most acclaimed films include:
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Wild Strawberries (1957)
Persona (1966)
Scenes from a Marriage (1973)
Fanny and Alexander (1982)" From Bard
Mel Ulm
2 comments:
Films that can be received/interpreted in many ways are just fascinating; it's like reading a book and knowing, immediately, that it's worth rereading and reconsidering.
Buried in Print- very true. Thanks for your always gratifying responses
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