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Bergman rankings
posted by rudely_murraySTAFFMOD on March 16, 2017 at 11:49 PM
This is how I would rate and rank the Bergman films I have seen to date. Absolutely one of my favourite filmmakers, although I have a long way to go with his extensive filmography.
Note that there are one or two films on here - notably Persona and Shame, both of which I saw only once, quite a few years ago - which may well increase in my estimation upon a second viewing. One's reaction to a Bergman movie can, I find, vary greatly depending on your mood while watching!
10/10
- The Virgin Spring (1960)
- Persona (1966)
- Hour of the Wolf (1968)
- The Seventh Seal (1957)
- Fanny & Alexander (1982)
9/10
- Wild Strawberries (1957)
- Cries & Whispers (1972)
- Summer with Monika (1953)
8/10
- The Silence (1963)
- Scenes from a Marriage (1973)
- Through a Glass Darkly (1961)
- The Magic Flute (1975)
7/10
- Smiles of a Summer Night (1955)
- Autumn Sonata (1978)
- Winter Light (1963)
- The Passion of Anna (1969)
- Sawdust and Tinsel (1953)
6/10
- Shame (1968)
- The Magician (1958)
5/10
- After the Rehearsal (1984)
Reply by rudely_murray
on May 21, 2018 at 3:59 AM
...and as I predicted/hoped in my original post, having seen Persona again - and on the big screen in all its disturbing, haunting, beautiful glory - it has leapt up my rankings. Another Bergman masterpiece.
Reply by rooprect
on May 21, 2018 at 5:20 AM
Thanks for reporting back with that. I had a similar initial reaction to Persona (saw it just once, HATED it and didn't finish it, probably because I wasn't in a very tolerant mood) even though I really liked every other Bergman film I've seen. Tbh I was so put off I doubt I'll watch it again, but it's good to know it's better on second viewing.
There a number of directors whose films I think are mostly brilliant while occasionally they miss. Yet I respect them as great filmmakers overall. Usually when they get too stylish or experimental or shocking, while departing from coherent structure, that's when I tune out.
Reply by rudely_murray
on May 21, 2018 at 9:55 PM
I could not believe how wrong I was about Persona. I was captivated by the two brilliant performances (Bibi Andersson, in particular, gives one of the greatest acting turns ever in this film, I think), Sven Nyqvist's stunning photography, the strange and obscure yet always enthralling plot. Like all of his movies it isn't for everyone but I would urge you to check it out again one day, especially as you have enjoyed other Bergman films.
My only regret is that, due to my unsociable working hours, I was only able to catch one of the mini-season of Bergman films shown by my local independent cinema. I had seen them all before, but on the big screen Persona was a whole new experience.