Discuss The Passion of Anna
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The next in my Bergman journey
posted by SteveSTAFFMOD on March 22, 2022 at 5:53 PM
Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson in color! Some great work again by the director and Sydow (who is always great but I love his silent moments in Bergman films). What can you say? I read an old NYT review and I quote: "“The Passion of Anna is one of Bergman’s most beautiful films (it is his second in color), all tawny, wintry grays and browns, deep blacks, and dark greens, highlighted occasionally by splashes of red, sometimes blood. It is also, on the surface, one of his most lucid, if a film that tries to dramatize spiritual exhaustion can be ever said to be really lucid. However, like all of Bergman’s recent films, it does seem designed more for the indefatigable Bergman cryptologists (of which I am not one) than for interested, but uncommitted filmgoers.”
I guess I'm an indefatigable Bergman cryptologist! Honestly these films have a mystery that reminds me of a more lived in Christopher Nolan film. Interesting to see the actors discuss their characters on screen IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY.
Reply by rooprect
on March 24, 2022 at 11:36 AM
Another one for my list! You're right; Bergman made a great transition from b&w to color. It's funny you mentioned that his use of red is sparing in this one. Check out his 1st color film Cries & Whispers which is heavily drenched in surreal reds, almost to the point of being a monochromatic 'red & white' flick. Sounds like he decided to explore a different palette here with natural wintry colors. But looking at some stills I see he still knows how to use those eye popping red highlights.
Of all the b&w masters who crossed over into color, I think Bergman ranks up there at the top. Neck & neck with Antonioni, if you've seen his color debut (Red Desert where he used a couple thousand gallons of paint to make the landscapes look the way he wanted lol).
Reply by Steve
on March 24, 2022 at 4:31 PM
Red Desert is strangely beautiful and scary.