Auteur 03: Bergman

A minimalist exploration of the human psyche. Bergman's supreme masterpiece. Could possibly be the highest level of art in cinema. There's a reason why Bergman's considered the greatest screenwriter of all time.

Bergman delves into psychologically disturbing material. The closest he ever came to making a horror film. Avante-garde cinema at its finest.

One of Bergman's most hypnotic and intriguing cinematic works. 3rd part of the outstanding trilogy on the absence of God. Broke new ground in film history.

A timeless, grim, hopeful and archetypal story with a dark turn of events. At first glance it appears to be one of Bergman's more overtly religious films. However, upon closer inspection it deals more directly with guilt and shame. Max Von Sydow is amazing in his portrayal of a Father trying to control his anger. Nykvist's cinematography is shimmering in its simplistic beauty. The performances are at times theatrical but always convincing. Especially considering when it was made, it's astonishing how unflinching the film is. (It was later remade into Last House on the Left.) Another stroke of genius was Bergman's choice to have the majority of the film done in silence. Screenwriters take note! In the end, it remains one of the most emotionally moving and deceivingly simple Bergman films out there.

Bergman's statement on old age. Touching, elegant and poignant.

Max Von Sydow and Liv Ullman are incredible to watch. Bergman delves deep into the mud and uncovers a profound statment on war.

Outstanding Bergman film. Dark, heavy, yet profound. His use of colour is remarkable. Sydow and Ullman are riveting.

Bergman's realist phase. Quasi-documentary with riveting performances. Groundbreaking in content.

Emotionally devastating. Ingrid Bergman and Liv Ullman play Mother and Daughter and cinema has never been the same since. A beautiful chamber piece that truly feels as if the viewer is intruding where they do not belong.

The first of Bergman's religion trilogy. A schizophrenic woman believes she can hear God. Outstanding stuff.

An extremely theatrical film with incredible acting and typical stellar Bergman writing.

Bergman makes a comedy! Terrific writing and cast. Eloquent, whimsical and downright smart.

A good story about a priest questioning his faith. Classic Nykvist cinematography. The 2nd part of the God trilogy.

Bergman's ambitious autobiographical epic. Tremendously moving with a wonderful cast.

The sequel to Scenes from a Marriage took over 30 years to be made. Bergman's theatrical influence is evident. Impeccable performances.

At times brilliant, other times flawed. Surreal, erotic, and disturbing. Bergman's first 80s film is a culmination of all his styles of filmmaking. A daring experiment that almost works.

Intriguing story with compelling characters. In particular, Sydow's role. The horror element is also evident.

One of Bergman's earlier achievements. Very erotic with beautiful performances.

The film that put Bergman and Sydow on the map. Avant-garde cinema that revolutionized the film world. Death makes his unforgettable entrance.

A challenging and disturbing chamber piece. Incredible performances help the viewer traverse this painful story. Expert cinematography.

Liv Ullman delivers a remarkable performance in an otherwise pretentious film. Still, Bergman attempts to explore uncharted territory. Psychologically daring for its time.

Bergman's adaptation of Mozart's delightful opera. Extremely well-made but a little on the light side.

A television movie that almost seems as if it's "Bergman doing Bergman." However, there are some great performances and, as always, Bergman creates an intriguing premise.