Post by klep on Sept 9, 2019 7:01:09 GMT -6
MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 9/9: Wild Strawberries
TRAVELING WEEK!
Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström) is a lonely old man. He tells himself (and us, in narration) that it's by his own choice. To some extent that's probably true, but in reality his isolation is largely a result of him pushing others away. He's a success professionally as a physician, but his personal life is a desolation - his callousness and lack of compassion has ruined every relationship in his life.
As Wild Strawberries begins, Isak is about to go on a trip to receive an honorary degree. That night he has a disturbing dream which reminds him of his mortality, and it impels him to get up in the middle of the night and drive instead of fly. He is accompanied by his daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin), who has been staying with him for reasons which are at first unknown. At first you might think Isak doesn't know her reasons because she and her son are being cagey, but it becomes apparent that he just doesn't have any interest.
The trip takes Isak through the countryside where he grew up. Through the trip Isak has a series of episodes - flashbacks to events he didn't directly witness but has seemingly constructed memories for, dreams, and a very real visit with his mother. They help us to understand Isak - why he's so distant and hard to like. But what's more is that Isak is forced to confront himself and look inward. He sees how bitter and resentful his mother has become as a result of her loneliness. He comes to enjoy the company of the hitchhikers they pick up along the way. But more importantly he sees how the betrayals of the loves of his life have led him to his own bitterness. And worse, he learns how his bitterness has now infected his son Evald (Gunnar Björnstrand), poisoning the relationship between Evald and Marianne and making him think bringing a child into the world would be an act of cruelty.
Victor Sjöström was himself a very old man at the time of production (he would die just a couple years later), a famed actor-director who had gradually left the industry after the end of the silent era. Bergman considered him a bitter old man, and had to work to convince Sjöström to take the part. But though it was a struggle, and though he had trouble at times remembering his lines, Sjöström carries the film. His performance is truly remarkable, capturing all of the pain and regret that Isak carries under his callous exterior.
And in the end, as Isak comes to the realization that his life doesn't have to be this way, Sjöström gives us that as well. The peace and hope that Isak now feels, and the readiness to right what wrongs he can - they're written in the script and on the face of Sjöström. Even at this late stage, Isak has learned that he still has time to mend his relationships and end his self-imposed torment.
OUR NEXT MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 9/16: Waitress
ONE HIT WONDERS WEEK!
Waitress qualifies as a One Hit Wonder for tragic circumstances, but the film itself is a comedy and a romance about a preternaturally gifted piemaker working as a waitress in the South. And the titular waitress is played by none other than Dissolve favorite Keri Russell! Join us next week for our discussion of Adrienne Shelly's Waitress, available for rent in the usual places.
NEXT PICTURE SHOW PODCAST for 9/10: Clue
Next week the NPS podcast tackles this murder mystery farce as part of a pairing with the new Ready Or Not. Come join our discussion of the older film on Wednesday! Clue is available for rent in the usual places.
TRAVELING WEEK!
Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström) is a lonely old man. He tells himself (and us, in narration) that it's by his own choice. To some extent that's probably true, but in reality his isolation is largely a result of him pushing others away. He's a success professionally as a physician, but his personal life is a desolation - his callousness and lack of compassion has ruined every relationship in his life.
As Wild Strawberries begins, Isak is about to go on a trip to receive an honorary degree. That night he has a disturbing dream which reminds him of his mortality, and it impels him to get up in the middle of the night and drive instead of fly. He is accompanied by his daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin), who has been staying with him for reasons which are at first unknown. At first you might think Isak doesn't know her reasons because she and her son are being cagey, but it becomes apparent that he just doesn't have any interest.
The trip takes Isak through the countryside where he grew up. Through the trip Isak has a series of episodes - flashbacks to events he didn't directly witness but has seemingly constructed memories for, dreams, and a very real visit with his mother. They help us to understand Isak - why he's so distant and hard to like. But what's more is that Isak is forced to confront himself and look inward. He sees how bitter and resentful his mother has become as a result of her loneliness. He comes to enjoy the company of the hitchhikers they pick up along the way. But more importantly he sees how the betrayals of the loves of his life have led him to his own bitterness. And worse, he learns how his bitterness has now infected his son Evald (Gunnar Björnstrand), poisoning the relationship between Evald and Marianne and making him think bringing a child into the world would be an act of cruelty.
Victor Sjöström was himself a very old man at the time of production (he would die just a couple years later), a famed actor-director who had gradually left the industry after the end of the silent era. Bergman considered him a bitter old man, and had to work to convince Sjöström to take the part. But though it was a struggle, and though he had trouble at times remembering his lines, Sjöström carries the film. His performance is truly remarkable, capturing all of the pain and regret that Isak carries under his callous exterior.
And in the end, as Isak comes to the realization that his life doesn't have to be this way, Sjöström gives us that as well. The peace and hope that Isak now feels, and the readiness to right what wrongs he can - they're written in the script and on the face of Sjöström. Even at this late stage, Isak has learned that he still has time to mend his relationships and end his self-imposed torment.
OUR NEXT MOVIE OF THE WEEK for 9/16: Waitress
ONE HIT WONDERS WEEK!
Waitress qualifies as a One Hit Wonder for tragic circumstances, but the film itself is a comedy and a romance about a preternaturally gifted piemaker working as a waitress in the South. And the titular waitress is played by none other than Dissolve favorite Keri Russell! Join us next week for our discussion of Adrienne Shelly's Waitress, available for rent in the usual places.
NEXT PICTURE SHOW PODCAST for 9/10: Clue
Next week the NPS podcast tackles this murder mystery farce as part of a pairing with the new Ready Or Not. Come join our discussion of the older film on Wednesday! Clue is available for rent in the usual places.