For someone as versed in Bergman as I like to think I am, it's always interesting to see something totally different from what I'm used to out of his films. Winter Light was just that, and though Bergman has the reputation for making bleak films, this one takes it to another level in terms of an overall feeling of depression throughout the film. Sven Nykvist, perhaps the greatest cinematographer of all time, shot this in a much grittier way than even the other two films in the informal trilogy of Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light, and the Silence. Through a Glass Darkly is an overall gorgeous films (as are many in the Bergman canon, particularly those shot with Nykvist), but none of its beauty is apparent here.
The film's carried wonderfully by an actor previously unknown to me - Gunnar Björnstrand -, though I do believe he has appeared in earlier Bergman films, and plays a supporting role in Bergman's Skammen (shame). He's phenomenal here, particularly in his scenes with Ingrid Thulin. Bergman also uses a pretty balsy technique in basically breaking the fourth wall by having a five to six minute close up Thulin delivering a to say the least very blunt letter to Björnstrand. This seems weird, and if it weren't for the great writing and excellent delivery, would almost certainly be described as gimmicky. Luckily, it's Bergman, and as always, delivers in fine fashion.
The film's carried wonderfully by an actor previously unknown to me - Gunnar Björnstrand -, though I do believe he has appeared in earlier Bergman films, and plays a supporting role in Bergman's Skammen (shame). He's phenomenal here, particularly in his scenes with Ingrid Thulin. Bergman also uses a pretty balsy technique in basically breaking the fourth wall by having a five to six minute close up Thulin delivering a to say the least very blunt letter to Björnstrand. This seems weird, and if it weren't for the great writing and excellent delivery, would almost certainly be described as gimmicky. Luckily, it's Bergman, and as always, delivers in fine fashion.
