Customer Reviews

The Films of Ingmar Bergman (Cambridge Film Classics)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have read several books and articles on Bergman, and this book is - without doubt - one of the most insighful and interesting. The author begins by laying out the "geography of the soul" according to Ingmar Bergman, and then analyzes several of his films in light of this paradigm. I felt the author very correctly identified Bergman's central themes in his films and did an excellent job of explicating how these themes are manifested in his works. I had a college professor say to me once, "A medoicre book points out the obvious, a great book points out things that are not obvious;" this is definitely a great book. After going back to my DVD collection and watching some of Bergman's films again after having read this book, I noticed several things I had not seen before, and this book greatly enriched my understanding and appreciation of his films.

Of all the Bergman studies available, this is the most lucid and detailed. A good read as well! Recommended for Bergman scholars as well as for those wanting to learn more about the great director. Fine cross-over text.

This is by far the most acute and perceptive analysis on Mr. Bergman's films. Written with an uncanny clarity and vision, this volume also contains dozens of frame stills that illuminate the text. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I must say this is the most pretentious book I have ever had the displeasure of reading. Bergam has been high jacked.