The first establishing shot in the film follows a subjective shot, consistent with Bergman form that emphasizes subjective experience even while thematically concerned with big ideas like God. Persons, characters,…
Again, von Trier seems intent on punishing a women, although this is no secret to him or anyone else. But much more than Dogville or Melancholia, Dancer in the Dark seems so intent on…
The diegesis is overtly artificial, with no pretense at realism but does something like “cinemize” the stage. Performance and mise-en-scene are highlighted; lighting, for example, changes when the narration announces…
The original Swedish title is The Face, and that’s more fitting. Diegetic conversations are all about faces, particularly the face of the the magician. Faces convey truth and deception, they bear…
The Virgin Spring was part one of an epic triple-feature the other day. First was this one, sadly on an iPod Touch. Second was Rear Window from a DVD projected…
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a Bergman film. Went through a stage a year or more ago that included The Seventh Seal, The Silence, Wild Strawberries, Fanny & Alexander,…
