Autumn Sonata (1978)
Bergman’s style of filmmaking is really something unique. He can clearly get something deep and profound out of the actors he works with. The family dynamic shown here is full of complex and conflicting emotions. Everyone has their worldview and experiences that influence their thinking, and there isn’t a “correct” view on things. Bergman and Ullmann deliver amazing performances with combining both expressions and dialogue into something greater. Sometimes we have a look that says more than a thousand words, other scenes we actually get a thousand words that convey a million words. While some of the dialogue might not seem like naturalistic dialogue real people would have like that, the emotions feel very real and authentic.
I don’t think I can explain or analyze why this work so well, it is simply something to experience and feel for yourself. I did notice how Eva becomes almost a different person with her glasses off. With them on she is still mommy’s girl unsure of herself. Without glasses she becomes assertive and confident in charge of her own life. What is interesting in how this ends is that neither Eva or Charlotte seems to have changed much, even though they both revealed deep emotions to each other. But after that night they pretty much go back to their previous self and roles. Both realising that they probably can’t repair their relationship and simply have to accept that.
Rating: 5