Review of Cries and Whispers (1972) by Philip O — 15 Feb 2009
I think I need a break from Bergman, he leaves me emotionally drained!
"Cries and Whispers" focuses on three sisters, one of which is in her last days of her struggle with cancer. Ullman, Thulin and Andersson who play the sisters each put in an amazing performance, though not to forget Kari Sylwan, who is equally as impressive as Anna the maid.
"Cries and Whispers" is by no means easy to watch, some of the scenes wouldn't be out of place in a horror movie. The scenes before Karin's (Andersson) death were particularly distressing and realistic. Then of course there is that famous mutilation scene.
I know alot of the reviews here have already mentioned Bergman's use of the colour red and Sven Nykwist's cinematography but it really is outstanding. Bergman himself said that " 'Cries and Whispers' is an exploration of the soul, and ever since childhood, I have imagined the soul to be a damp membrane in varying shades of red.".
One of the great Bergman's best in my book.
This review of Cries and Whispers (1972) was written by Philip O on 15 Feb 2009.
Cries and Whispers has generally received very positive reviews.
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