Customer Reviews

Summer Interlude ( Sommarlek ) ( Illicit Interlude ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - United Kingdom ]

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Made early in Bergman's film career, this is a simple, almost fable-like tale of a summer romance between two young lovers, as remembered by the woman, now an unsatisfied adult, who returns to the island where she passed one happy summer. The film beautifully evokes the giddiness of young love, the tragedy of unfulfilled promise, and the healing powers of time.

"Summer Interlude" is an often overlooked pearl from Bergman's film catalog. It's not as famous or as experimental as his other releases from this period, such as "Sawdust and Tinsel." Nevertheless it's quite good and I hold it in high regard. It fits in among the romantic-themed films he made from time to time--a close twin to "Summer with Monika," which he made a couple years later. Both share the theme of young adults navigating the pleasures and dangers of falling in love over the course of a single summer. Monika is a classic, in part because of Harriet Anderson's notoriety, but "Summer Interlude" is a sweeter film and the characters more likable. The protagonist played by Maj-Britt Nilsson, is both beautiful and admirable without the seedier bohemian carnality of Harriet Anderson's Monika. I know a lot of Bergman fans like "Summer with Monika" and both films are worth seeing, but to me "Summer Interlude" is the stronger film.

Regarding this DVD version: Tartan has released several Bergman films on DVD that aren't otherwise available in the US. They're in PAL format, which may discourage American fans since they probably aren't playable on the typical television DVD player. But I've had success playing them on my computer's DVD player. For some reason computers are more flexible about formats. If you don't mind watching a film on your laptop, you may be able to view this and the other Bergman films Tartan has released.

This early fully formed(directed/written) Bergman film about the joyfulness of first love,the nostalgia on looking back to the transcience of youth,a woman in her late twenties looking back to the choices made when time didn't weigh upon her; she reflects upon rich layers of memory and projection: `Days like pearl, irridescent,upon a string of gold'. Bergman conjures up summer scenes on boats and rocky shores,clouds crossing the sun,sun glinting on water,running water,leaves blowing,accompanied by a montage of rich sounds:running water,birds whistling, steam boats chugging,days of fishing and swimming. Everything is framed by Marie's life as a ballerina with rehearsals, theatre backdrops,make up and mirrors and also her uncle who is lecherous and plying her with gifts and flattery, who would like to elope with her.

After Henrik's tragic accident she is left feeling life has no meaning,she feels like a'painted marionnette' when she cries the `paint runs'.Maj Britt-Nilsson as Marie gives a stunning performance as she confesses her sense of chilling freedom to a man in clown make-up.She gives her present boyfriend David(a journalist) Henrik's diary to read so he can better understand her.This is the diary she received from her uncle belonging to Henrik picked up at the hospital where he died.He sends it many years later and it sets of the stream of her conscious reminiscences.We end on her dancing in Swan Lake and a strange sense, with her adult perspective, of renewal.This film covers a similar time in life as Summer with Monika,but it has more depth and artistry and you can empathise with the characters.

***** 1951. Co-written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. In my opinion, Bergman's first masterpiece. A ballerina remembers the summer of her first love. It's interesting to notice in this film. six years before The Seventh Seal - Criterion Collection, the chess game between the priest and the Death (symbolized by an old lady dying of cancer). Also note the animation sequence featuring Henrik's secret thoughts. Maj-Britt Nilsson, in a double role, is as great as the age of 16 as at the age of 28. SUMMER INTERLUDE is one of the rare movies that are able to create the subtle feeling of nostalgia in our heart. A DVD for your library.