First Bergman film (so far watching them chronologically) where I actually consider it to be pretty decent.
It delves into a marriage with both partners having flaws (like most marriages), yet these 2 seem like an unstable combo that can explode at any moment. It’s a little caricatured in that regard but otherwise it’s pretty well done. It won’t be Bergmans last look at marriage
Simultaneously we have a subplot of a woman whose husband died in the war, the movie makes it very clear that this is after WW2. She has to deal with her loss while 2 people try to exploit this for their own gain. One is a lot more sinister than the other admittedly.
Anyways I found that this went further than the previous films I’d seen. There’s a sort of extra psychological layer to characters decisions that, sure, was present in previous movies, but a lot less. Especially regarding the subplot which I appreciated more than the main plot tbh.
The movie also deals with themes of abortion and lesbian relationships which weren’t common place at the time.
Others things I appreciated was the interpretation of why the main story happened on a train. A marriage is a ride where things sometimes get bumpy etc etc. The cinematography at around the 1hr mark stood out and the film clearly used mirrors to show reflection, easy yet effective. I also thought it was cool how all characters were connected in a way.
I nonetheless think the main plot is a little lacklustre and Ruth’s actress gives a too melodramatic performance
Bergman 4/35
First Bergman film (so far watching them chronologically) where I actually consider it to be pretty decent.
It delves into a marriage with both partners having flaws (like most marriages), yet these 2 seem like an unstable combo that can explode at any moment. It’s a little caricatured in that regard but otherwise it’s pretty well done. It won’t be Bergmans last look at marriage
Simultaneously we have a subplot of a woman whose husband died in the war, the movie makes it very clear that this is after WW2. She has to deal with her loss while 2 people try to exploit this for their own gain. One is a lot more sinister than the other admittedly.
Anyways I found that this went further than the previous films I’d seen. There’s a sort of extra psychological layer to characters decisions that, sure, was present in previous movies, but a lot less. Especially regarding the subplot which I appreciated more than the main plot tbh.
The movie also deals with themes of abortion and lesbian relationships which weren’t common place at the time.
Others things I appreciated was the interpretation of why the main story happened on a train. A marriage is a ride where things sometimes get bumpy etc etc. The cinematography at around the 1hr mark stood out and the film clearly used mirrors to show reflection, easy yet effective. I also thought it was cool how all characters were connected in a way.
I nonetheless think the main plot is a little lacklustre and Ruth’s actress gives a too melodramatic performance
Bergman 4/35
