The first film that Ingmar Bergman directed from his own script has been called the first āreal Bergman movieā ā in spite of a somewhat messy structure, itās worth a look. Weāre introduced to several characters, including a filmmaker, a writer and his wife (who both drink too much), as well as a prostitute and the man who forces her to give up her newborn baby. Simple psychology at work, and Bergman bookends the story with a few thoughts on heaven and hell. What stands out is a stylish and unpleasant dream sequence and a silly silent film shown on a cinematograph. All in all, pales in comparison with what Bergman would soon create.
1949-Sweden. 79 min. B/W. Written and directed byĀ Ingmar Bergman. Cinematography: Gƶran Strindberg. Cast: Doris Svedlund (Birgitta Carolina Sƶderberg), Birger Malmsten (Thomas), Eva Henning (Sofi), Hasse Ekman, Stig Olin, Irma Christensonā¦ Anders Henrikson, Torsten Lilliecrona, Ulf Palme.
Trivia: Original title: FƤngelse. Alternative English title: Prison.
