Persona (1966) - its various perspectives

[zen007]

Persona has been one of the most discussed films as it is open to interpretation. Ingmar Bergman has not explained the film as well, if I am not wrong, to preserve its "mystery".

More often than not, I tend to view Persona as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and Shutter Island (2010) type of film, but where answers are (or the exposition is) withheld.

A perspective or PoV - Is Alma (Bibi) the actress? And Elisabet (Liv) the nurse/doctor?


If I recall correctly:

* At the beginning of the film, the boy first looks at Alma's image, which later turns into Elisabet's.
* Elisabet's letter to the doctor where she talks about "studying" Alma. She also shares Alma's intimate information.
* Mr. Volgar meets Alma as Elisabet.
* At the end of the film, Alma is shown on the bed being shot by the film crew (probably implying that Alma is the actress).


The key point here is that there are many ways to view this interesting film. What is your perspective?

[principehomura]

Never seen this.
It is at the top of my shamelist.

[zen007]

Originally Posted by principehomura

Never seen this.
It is at the top of my shamelist.

It is probably not a film for casual viewing (at least for me) so you may need to be in a focused mood when you watch this.

[Scottie]

One of the best movies ever made. Incredibly haunting and thought-provoking.

It’s tied with Fanny and Alexander as my favorite Bergman.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by Scottie

One of the best movies ever made. Incredibly haunting and thought-provoking.

It’s tied with Fanny and Alexander as my favorite Bergman.

Fanny & Alexander will always be my favorite, but I watched it after my dad died, so no other Bergman film will hit that hard at that moment. But this is top 3 with Wild Strawberries.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Gacivory

Fanny & Alexander will always be my favorite, but I watched it after my dad died, so no other Bergman film will hit that hard at that moment. But this is top 3 with Wild Strawberries.

Sorry for your loss.

Wild Strawberries would probably be in my top three, as well. It's a wonderful reflection piece.

[hanshotfirst1138]

Is it cliche to love The Seventh Seal?

[Akibiyori]

Originally Posted by hanshotfirst1138

Is it cliche to love The Seventh Seal?

Not at all! The film is more relevant now than it ever was. Jöns is one of Bergman’s best characters.

[zen007]

Persona does throw its hat in the ring for the best film ever made title for handling a difficult subject/genre of experimental psychological drama/horror, evocative B&W cinematography, well-measured acting, ...

[KubrickKurasawa]

It's about him wanting a 3-way with lesbians. Classic

[hanshotfirst1138]

Originally Posted by Akibiyori

Not at all! The film is more relevant now than it ever was. Jöns is one of Bergman’s best characters.

“Was he mute?”
“No. He was most eloquent.”