Ingmar Bergman died on Monday, July 30, 2007, at the age of 89. He produced very serious and philosophical works. In all he made 54 films, 126 theatre productions and 39 radio plays.
Offering high praise, Woody Allen said the master was, “probably the greatest film artist . . . since the invention of the motion picture camera.”
The Seventh Seal
Bergman showed the world that film has the potential to be among the highest, of art forms, if not the highest when crafted in his hands. His 1957 masterpiece, The Seventh Seal, is required viewing in virtually every film class.
Persona
He gradually evolved past his initial classical styles and moved towards avant-garde with his 1966, Persona, which yet again set new standards in filmmaking. Ingmar Bergman finally got a chance to work with the famed Ingrid Bergman in his film Autumn Sonata (1978).
Autumn Sonata
Suffering an abusive childhood at the hands of his Lutheran minister father, religion and the meaning of life were regularly contemplated in his films.
Fanny and Alexander
In 1982 Ingmar confronted his past with autobiographical references in Fanny And Alexander. The children in the film suffer as he did by their stepfather, who is also a minister. Bergman triumphs by giving the film a supernatural ending. He triumphed in life with his brilliant body of work.
Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.
