PERSONA
****1/2 out of *****
Reviewed by Finger_Of_DOOM

Genres
Drama

1966
Written and directed by
Ingmar Bergman
Cast
Bibi Andersson .... Alma, The Nurse
Liv Ullmann .... Elisabeth Vogler, The Actress
Margaretha Krook .... The Doctor
Gunnar Björnstrand .... Mr. Vogler

To be honest I've seen very little of the works of Ingmar Bergman. However, with my limited knowledge of his films it's hard to deny the fact that this man is a cinematic genius. Throughout his career Begman has created some of the film world's most treasured and revered foreign language classics, such as Fanny and Alexander (1982), Autumn Sonata (1978), Cries and Whispers (1972), among many others. He's created films of beauty and complexity, focusing on areas of the human condition and incorporating his own life experiences. Over the years his filmic style, vision and direction developed its own uniqueness, which influenced other filmmakers to follow his "Bergamasque" brand of filmmaking. Even today his films still make an impact and are relevant and interesting as always. Persona stands as certainly one of Bergman's most creative films.

Persona plays out like a thriller, it tells the story of an actress, Elisabeth Vogler (played by the Bergman favourite Liv Ullman). Elisabeth is a person who has, I assume, suffered some kind of trauma that has left her silent. When Alma (played by another Bergman favourite Bibi Andersson), a young nurse, from the city arrives to look after her, the two spend time together at Elisabeth's seaside home away from civilisation. Alma, who seems to have a respect and devotion towards the actress, begins to share aspects of her life with her (after all, Elisabeth's refuses to speak), and as time passes Alma confesses her secrets to her. Their relationship eventually falters when Alma discovers Elisabeth's true feelings towards her. As these two women spend time together alone, it appears as though after each passing day Alma and Elisabeth's personalities being to merge into one.

Having read the synopsis on the DVD sleeve I was rather intrigued as to the nature of the film and how Bergman was going to tackle merging these two personalities into one. But after having viewed the film nothing was near clear-cut, Persona is a film that challengers the viewer and most people will likely have different interpretations of it. It's very much a film that encourages debate and discussion, which is why this film should be viewed with a group of friends. Having said that, and for those interested, I present my interpretation of this film: The film's initial focus seems to be a study of the human condition. What would you do if in the presence of someone who refused to speak? What conversation would you make? Would you be selective in your choice of topics? And how long before you'd begin to divulge your deepest, darkest secrets? Additionally, how much of a connection can you make to a person that does respond? Is that even possible? In this case it appears to be so much that these two women suddenly feel like one. The two women represent different sides of a single person.

Ullman and Andersson both deliver excellent performances, Ullman who is silent for the entire film is able to express an astounding amount of emotion that eats up the screen with what appears to be a precision crafted character, for an actor a silent role that's also one of the leads is a huge challenge and she comes up to the plate head to head with Andersson in every scene. Andersson brings a vulnerable and touching feel to her character, viewers will find it easy to sympathise with the nurse.

Adding to the film's overall atmosphere is the beautifully stark photography by cinematographer Sven Nykvist. The framing and camerawork appears distant, like an observer peering into someone's life. A feeling Bergman was tyring to portray with the look of the film.

Persona is a rather complex and frustrating film, however it stands as one of Bergman's most interesting works. It's a film that seems to work on numerous narrative and visual levels and can be intellectually provocative. The conversations you'll have with people post-viewing will be as interesting as the viewing process itself.

Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here.

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