Persona
Persona has one of the most evocative openings I’ve ever seen. The style, aspect ratio, angles, shadows, editing, and the use of music all work to provoke a feeling. It’s hypnotizing in a way—like a Magritte painting. I especially admire the way Bergman allows the camera to hold on characters; it lingers and quietly observes. Persona explores themes of identity, existentialism, connection, and guilt. The overlapping faces shots and transitions are jaw-droppingly gorgeous. This is a revolutionary piece of cinema. 5/5.