directed by Ingmar Bergman
Imagine being a lead actress in a big production and getting paid for saying just one word. I mean… where can I sign up? That was the case of Liv Ullmann, who played in “Persona”, got very famous for that and even ended up in a relationship with the director. Of course, I’m joking that all she did was just saying one word, because her role was extremely damanding, so take it as a fun fact, not an accusation. Ingmar Bergman is surely the most known film director from Sweden, who has given us multiple productions to admire and analyse for years… and still not understand. I mean, I bet nobody has come up with the exact idea that he had while making his films. He was creating stories for himself and as long as they made sense to him, they were fine. But what’s going on in “Persona”? We get to know Alma, a young nurse who’s been assigned to take care of Elisabet, an actress that has suddenly stopped speaking. In order to help Elisabet, they move to a cottage by the sea, so she has a better environment to heal in. Since the actress doesn’t say a word, she becomes a wonderful listener, which is something Alma has needed her whole life. The nurse opens up and shares all her deepest secrets, which she hopes to be kept by Elisabet to herself. Oh how wrong she is… I will not tell you what’s the meaning behind this story, because even Bergman didn’t want to share it. He wished for his audience to create their own versions, and I highly appreciate that. This way, no matter where you’re from or what social status you own, you may understand something different, yet important to you. And that’s the beauty of cinema. However, I may give you a hint of what I take from this production. To me, it’s about masking and constantly pretending someone we’re not. Still, this mask changes also based on the people we’re surrounded by. That is why, when Alma and Elisabet stayed together for so long, their masks started overlapping. And if you think about the number of people you meet in life, you may come up with a conclusion that your mask is absolutely nothing like your true self. Creepy? Well, welcome to Swedish cinema from the 60s! I still recommend you to see it and take whatever you see in this film. Bergman was a very specific artist and everyone should see at least one of his works.
My rating: 7/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 