THE SILENCE (1963)

4/19/2011

 
The final, and most challenging of Ingmar Bergman's Religion Trilogy on Criterion speaks more to a lack of spirituality than overt religiosity The cinematography is so outstanding that I can't take my eyes off a single frame, even if I don't really understand what's going on! Don't let the lack of dialogue in the first hour throw you: it pays off in the end. Love watching these actors...

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_Silence/60029947?trkid=496624#height1978
Official Site: http://www.criterion.com/films/570-the-silence
 
Beautful example of Bergman eschewing the expressionism of his previous films. Natural lighting illuminates this stark, austere chamber drama featuring a tremendous performance by Harriet Andersson as a young woman slipping into mental illness, isolated on a island, surrounded by her father, brother and husband. Part of Bergman's religion triology from Criterion. The religious aspect is understated (finding God through the familial love) and not overt like Winter Light.

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Through_a_Glass_Darkly/60029946?trkid=496624#height2475
Official Site: http://www.criterion.com/films/568-through-a-glass-darkly
 
Atypical Ingmar Bergman masterpiece. Gritty, (for Bergman) part of the religion trilogy recently released on Criterion. Features a captivating six minute close-up directed to the camera.

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Winter_Light/60029948?trkid=496624#height1739
Official Site: http://www.criterion.com/films/569-winter-light