I think I liked this? I need to break it down a bit then I can know for sure:
The clear standout is the writing. I'm not just saying this because it is Ingmar Bergman, but the screenplay is seriously the best part of the film. As someone who takes Latin, I can say that yes, Latin teachers just be like that. I'm kidding. My Latin teacher is one of the best teachers I've ever had the pleasure to learn from. But the dialogue between teacher and students works really well for me.
The direction and camera work fits in just fine. I love the grand shots of the interior of the school and the use of shadows was very effective. Very moody and very on-tone.
But the acting...jeez. The actress who plays Bertha made it so hard to enjoy this film. Her performance is just hard to watch. And for a movie about jealousy and obsession over this girl I had to wonder...why? What made her so great? Even her scene partners had so little chemistry with her. It was rough.
I though it would be a bore and it wasn't really. Some rough patches but overall it is an interesting slice of early Swedish cinema.
I think I liked this? I need to break it down a bit then I can know for sure:
The clear standout is the writing. I'm not just saying this because it is Ingmar Bergman, but the screenplay is seriously the best part of the film. As someone who takes Latin, I can say that yes, Latin teachers just be like that. I'm kidding. My Latin teacher is one of the best teachers I've ever had the pleasure to learn from. But the dialogue between teacher and students works really well for me.
The direction and camera work fits in just fine. I love the grand shots of the interior of the school and the use of shadows was very effective. Very moody and very on-tone.
But the acting...jeez. The actress who plays Bertha made it so hard to enjoy this film. Her performance is just hard to watch. And for a movie about jealousy and obsession over this girl I had to wonder...why? What made her so great? Even her scene partners had so little chemistry with her. It was rough.
I though it would be a bore and it wasn't really. Some rough patches but overall it is an interesting slice of early Swedish cinema.