Review of Autumn Sonata (1978) by Fernando C — 15 Feb 2008

One of the most complex and honest dramas made by Bergman, and almost everything happens between the same four walls.

I never thought it was possible to have two persons bare their souls onscreen. But these actresses tear their hearts (and each other) apart with power and realism, shocking and affecting any viewer who's ever had a major fight with his/her mother. I love how they throw their emotions at each other, like showing each other their souls with no hidden places. It's also a great example of the cinematic language, using a series of elements expertly, such as color, music and different shots that not only comment on the action, but expand, explain and are in themselves the action. It's not Bergman's greatest due to its rather limited scale: it's too tight and closed, but that also means it's an excellent drama that hits and shocks the viewer.