Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie (1963)

Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie (Ingmar Bergman gör en film)
Directed by Vilgot Sjöman
1963/Sweden
Sveriges Radio
First viewing/Netflix rental

[box] To shoot a film is to organize an entire universe. — Ingmar Bergman[/box]

Anyone who has an interest in the filmmaking process or in Bergman owes it to himself to see this film.

The movie in question is Winter Light (1963).  We follow the production from an interview with Bergman on scripting, to selecting locations, to rehearsals and actual shooting.  We see the same short scene rehearsed many times and then shot over several takes.  This could be tedious but is fascinating.

The action then moves to the editing process with Bergman sharing additional insights on adding dynamics and rhythm through cutting.  After additional post-production, Bergman is interviewed on his expectations for the film’s reception and his relations with his critics.

I love Bergman and my respect for him went up a notch after watching this documentary. It’s so interesting how the little things matter.  Very highly recommended.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRNPEZgoXTY

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