Another great director dies. His films have been a big influence on me. When I first got my NYPL card, I’d immersed myself in his films - mainly the ones from the 50s and 60s - not being sure what I would get out of them; Smiles of a Summer Night, The Seventh Seal, Through A Glass Darkly, and Winter Light to name a few.
Until I saw Wild Strawberries. That film stands right up there with my all-time favorites. I can’t explain why ‘Strawberries’ had such an impact on me. That last shot had me break down and cry for gossakes! I must admit there were many, many other films of Bergman’s that didn’t do anything for me - some I downright hated, in fact. He fascinated me nonetheless. I read everything I could find on his work, life, his books (Bergman on Bergman, Magic Lantern) and video interviews (this is one of many and I recommend Netflix-ing).
Which brings me to this bizarre story, if I can call it that. Just this past weekend, I picked up two books from the library - Bergman’s The Fifth Act and Woody Allen’s Mere Anarchy. Anyone who’s followed Allen’s career knows how Bergman’s influence has kept showing in his films.
If you’ve never seen a Bergman film, salute Google Video. Here’s The Seventh Seal.
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