Product: Persona (1967)
Rating: 5.0
Bergman's stark depiction of schizophrania
"Persona" is, without question, a difficult film to digest, not only because of it's unpleasant subject matter but because of it's pace and starkness. The story of an actress who's had a nervous breakdown and rendered mute and the nurse who cares for her, is a quiet, yet terrifying glimpse into madness. Alone on a desolate vacation island, these two women, beautifully played by Liv Ullman as the actress and Bibi Andersson as her nurse become virtual prisoners of their own psyches and fears. Ullman utters not a word in the entire film, but her performance is as convincing as that of Andersson, if not more because we are constantly left to wonder what or who is haunting her thoughts. It is my opinion that the dominant and submissive nature of these characters are meant to represent Bergman's vision of schizophrania. The scene where the screen is split in two with only half of the actresses face in view, as though melding together, each assuming the other's traits, further illustrates my theory. There are two minor, if important, roles, but 90% of the film is populated solely by the two aforementioned actresses. The stark cinematography and stretches of silence only add to the sense of hopelessness and despair. Definitely not a cheery, light piece of cinema. Those suffering from depression are advised to avoid it like the plague. But those that enjoy intellegent, challenging films, look no further. One of Bergman's greatest films.