Product: Elvira Madigan [VHS]
Rating: 4.0
Romance In The Countryside of Sweden....
This review refers to the Fox Lorber DVD edition of "Elvira Madigan"(World Class Cinema Collection)....In this 19th century romantic/drama we find two lovers, seemingly without a care in the world,romping and playing in the beautiful forest and they are the focus of this Swedish gem. We soon learn they are escaping from their lives, and all they want is to be left alone, in their own world..one of love. He is deserting his post as an Army Lieutenant, she a young and beautiful famed tightrope walker.Abandoning their families and careers,these romantics see nothing but the love and affection they share for each other. As the story progresses, and we are treated to some of the most gorgeuos photography throughout, their idyllic dreams begin to fall apart. Life on the run is not all they dreamed it would be for them. They are tired, hungry, and trying to avoid the world that is trying to find them.Eventually they must make a decision that has tragic consequences.It's a beautiful, but tragic romance, not too far removed from "Romeo and Juliet" although may at times,seem a bit over the top and may remind you of those commercials, in slow motion with the lovers running into each others arms.It is however,a good story, well acted and directed,wonderful costumes, beautifully photographed, and with a great sound track including works from Mozart and Vilvaldi. From 1967,the director is expertly subtle and although these two lovers are often spontantious in their passion, you will know how they feel without the ususal R rated love scenes.Just a beauty of a film, directed by Bo Widerberg and photographed by Jorgen Persson. The film and crew were nominated for several international awards and Pia Degermark(Elvira)won the hearts of the judges of the Cannes Film Festival(and may steal yours as well) and was awarded Best Actress.It's a nice DVD as well. Letterboxed in what appears to be the academy ratio(1.33:1) it presents a very good picture. The exquiste cinematogrpahy of the fields, the forests and the countryside have beautiful colors. The film in Swedish will default to English subtitles, but you may delete them if you wish.(You don't see that choice too often). There are filmographies and awards and some production credits. The sound is in Stereo and is very good.A nice addition to your romance or foreign film collection...enjoy.....Laurie