The best five films of Ingmar Bergman.
About Director:
Ernst Ingmar Bergman was a Swedish director, writer and producer for film, stage and television. Described by Woody Allen as "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera," he is recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential film directors of all time. He directed over sixty films and documentaries for cinematic release and for television, most of which he also wrote, and directed over one hundred and seventy plays. In 1971, Bergman received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Academy Awards ceremony. Three of his films won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Nominated for 9 Oscars. Another 68 wins & 16 nominations
Movie Details:
1. Wild Strawberries (1957)
With the exception of his elderly housekeeper Miss Agda who he treats almost like a surrogate platonic wife, widowed seventy-eight year old Dr. Isak Borg, a former medical doctor and professor, has retreated from any human contact, partly his own want but partly the decision of others who do not want to spend time with him because of his cold demeanor. He is taking the daylong drive from his home in Stockholm to Lund to accept an honorary degree with his daughter-in-law Marianne. The many stops and encounters along the way make him reminisce about various parts of his life.
2. Summer Interlude (1951)
Directed by Ingmar Bergman. Starring Harriet Andersson, Lars Ekborg.
The film's story begins in the bleak working class milieu of Stockholm. Harry (Lars Ekborg) and Monika (Harriet Andersson) are both in dead end jobs when they meet. Harry is easygoing, while Monika is adventurous, but they fall in love. When Monika gets in trouble at home, Harry steals his father's boat, and he and Monika spend an idyllic summer in the Stockholm archipelago. When the end of the summer forces them to return home, it is clear that Monika is pregnant. Harry happily accepts responsibility and settles down with Monika and their child; he gets a real job and studies to provide for his family. Monika, however, is unsatisfied with her role as homemaker. She yearns for excitement and adventure, a desire which finally leads her astray. Harry is left behind with the child.
3. Music in Darkness (1948)
Directed by Ingmar Bergman. Starring Mai Zetterling, Birger Malmsten.
It tells the story of a talented musician, Bengt, who lost his sight after being accidentally shot during his military service. After losing his sight Bengt is gripped by increasing bitterness. He develops a relationship with Ingrid, a lower-class girl who actually works as a servant in the home of Bengt's parents. The theme of blindness and of a blind's person subjective experience plays a major role in the psychological study depicted in the movie. Bergman was a music affectionate and he once said: "If I had to choose between losing my eyes or ears? I would keep my ea I can't imagine anything more terrible than to have my music taken away from me."
4. The Silence (1963)
Directed by Ingmar Bergman. Starring Ingrid Thulin, Gunnel Lindblom.
The plot focuses on two sisters - One a fledgling woman with a young son, and the other, a terminally-ill literary translator, and their tense relationship coming to a surface whilst staying at a Central European hotel during a culminating war. The film is the last installment in Bergman's "Trilogy of Faith", preceded by Winter Light (1963) and Through a Glass Darkly (1961).
5. Winter Light (1963)
Directed by Ingmar Bergman. Starring Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Bjornstrand.
Bergman cited Winter Light as his favorite among his films. One of Ingmar's most intimate and autobiographical films, it deals harshly with personal elements of the director's life and worldview. Bergman claims that he only "realized who he really was" and came to terms with himself through the making of Winter Light. It is sometimes considered the second in his 'Trilogy of Faith', the first film being Through a Glass Darkly and the third The Silence.
