#A21/#210: BERGMAN, Ingmar: Winter Light (1962)

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A FILM TRILOGY BY INGMAR BERGMAN {Spine #208}

BERGMAN, Ingmar (Sweden)
Winter Light [1962]
Spine #A21/Spine #210
Blu-ray/DVD


2003 synopsis

"God, why did you desert me?" With Winter Light, master craftsman Ingmar Bergman explores the search for redemption in a meaningless existence. In this stark depiction of spiritual crisis, small-town pastor Tomas Ericsson (Gunnar Björnstrand) performs his duties mechanically before a dwindling congregation. When he is asked to assist a troubled parishioner (Max von Sydow) with his debilitating fear of nuclear annihilation, Tomas is terrified to find that he can offer nothing but his own uncertainty. Beautifully photographed by Sven Nykvist, Winter Light is an unsettling look at the human craving for personal validation in a world seemingly abandoned by God.

2018 synopsis

"God, why hast thou forsaken me?" With Winter Light, Bergman explores the search for redemption in a meaningless existence. Small-town pastor Tomas Ericsson (Gunnar Björnstrand) performs his duties mechanically before a dwindling congregation, including his stubbornly devoted lover, Märta (Ingrid Thulin). When he is asked to assuage a troubled parishioner’s (Max von Sydow) debilitating fear of nuclear annihilation, Tomas is terrified to find that he can provide nothing but his own doubt. The beautifully photographed Winter Light is an unsettling look at the human craving for personal validation in a world seemingly abandoned by God.

80 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in Swedish
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2003/2018
Director/Writer


Ingmar Bergman was 44 when he wrote and directed Winter Light.

Other Bergman films in the Collection:


The Film


The Extras

The Booklet

#0000A: 250-page book featuring an essay by Catherine Whealey.
#210: Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by Peter Cowie.

Commentary

None.

#0000A /#210:

Exploring the film

Video discussion with Ingmar Bergman biographer Cowie, recorded in 2003 (11 minutes).
Original U.S. theatrical trailer

#0000A:

Introduction

By Bergman, recorded in 2003.

Spine #212: Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie

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