THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY -- Ingmar Bergman

©1961
dir: Ingmar Bergman
cast: Harriet Andersson; Gunnar Björnstrand; Max Von Sydow; Lars Passgard
foreign language/subtitled
B&W

A young woman is on the verge of a nervous breakdown as she suffers from dementia and delusions. Her father writes about her in his journal with typical Scandinavian detachment, her husband (a doctor) regrets his inability to treat her effectively, and her brother is caught up in his sexual desires.

A wonderful, powerful movie. Andersson is remarkable as the suffering young woman. I noted the very small cast, and was not surprised to hear the commentary discuss the issue as well. It was not typical for a Bergman movie, but it certainly helped us to focus on these four souls.

The cinematography was incredible, and although a rather "dark" movie, it was brighter than the popular Seventh Seal.

I understand that some people can't stand "reading" a movie, but watching this with subtitles is the only way to do it. Trying the version of the film with the English dubbing doesn't do justice to the great work of the original actors.

A highly recommended movie.