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S T E I N H A U E R
You may have caught the news by now, but I’ve just found out that the great Swedish filmmaker, Ingmar Bergman, died today in his home on an island off the coast of Sweden. See:
The NYT, and the NYT’s book-blog, Paper Cuts
I can’t really add to the elegies that will follow, but can only admit to being a huge fan. At certain times and in certain places I’ve been, it’s been considered a snooty thing to admire or talk about Bergman’s films, but the truth is that his work touched directly on the human condition in a way that is neither elitist nor even difficult. His best films were humanist landmarks of the art.
In fact, I can directly cite the influence of Shame on the shape of my career–it was that film that originally helped me to the decision to write a series of books about a fictional country rather than an actual one.
Anyway, feel free to flex your memories and opinions below.
UPDATE: For some reason I forgot one of his most powerful films, made for TV, Scenes from a Marriage (which later influenced Woody Allen’s (to me) greatest film, Husbands and Wives). If you get a chance to see it, even in its edited feature-length version, do see it. It’s heartbreaking.
July 30th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
I agree. And the focus on the “human condition” is precisely what matters to my writing. I cannot link to his work in the same way — rather it’s something that I take note of in other people’s works (yours, for example).
And by golly, I just learned that PW has given ISLAND OF EXILES a star and a rave. I’m now working on catching up to you, Olen.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Congrats, Ingrid – hope it does the business for you.
I hadn’t heard yet about Bergman’s death. I don’t feel sadness as such (that we should all lead such full and creative lives) but an immense sense of respect for what he achieved. He was without doubt one of the key artistic geniuses of the 20th Century.
Films like The Seventh Seal and Summer With Monika and The Virgin Spring are in the same league as Rashomon in having influenced people who haven’t even seen them. They’re certainly pivotal memories in my developing knowledge of cinema as a teenager.
In addition, although I know it isn’t one of your favourites Olen, I think Fanny and Alexander is an absolute masterpiece.
July 30th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
FANTASTIC news, Ingrid! Really happy to hear about the review, and will look for it. Here’s to hoping you overtake me.
Okay, Kevin. I’ll give Fanny & Alexander another try.
The climax in Persona where the film splits and disintegrates is one of the most memorable moments in all of cinema.
July 31st, 2007 at 9:22 am
Just saw the PW review, Ingrid:
“The Shamus Award Parker won with her first Akitada short story may soon have company.”
Nice!
July 31st, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Thanks. I confess I’ve been sooo envious of you guys. I feel a little bit better now. :)
No Shamus, I’m afraid. The book’s not eligible.
July 31st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Er, I’ve never had a starred review from the trades so I’m still lagging there. Not that I’m complaining – they’ve so far been very kind to me.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:09 pm
I’ve always wondered if Woody Allen’s passion for Bergman was in some way unhelpful.
For me Persona was the one, though it makes for brutal viewing.