Review of Cries and Whispers (1972) by Luis Diego R — 26 Oct 2007

I finally got to watch "Cries and Whispers" yesterday, and I still couldn't bring myself to write anything about it. Usually right after watching a film I can begin to think of a couple lines to describe it, or some few ideas I could develop in an essay (I like writing a lot, and I've written two essays about "Rocco and his Brothers" and "The Leopard"). But in this case, which words could I use? Bleak, painful, haunting? Those are the most appropiate, I guess, but then it sounds depressing, and it's not! This film should be experienced, not just watched, because you run the risk of thinking of it as a "common" drama. It flows more like a dream, or a poem, made up of little fragments of emotions rather than weaving a real plot.

So, what to say? "Cries and Whispers" is very open to interpretation, as a poem is; it's meant to cause an undetermined effect on the viewer, whatever it is, and then the viewer should come to terms with his/her own ideas concerning death, incommunication, time, love, gratitude, happiness... and absorb the richness of this film.

Visually, it's unforgettable. Even those that don't like it (no film will be liked by everyone) will not forget the extreme close-ups, the long distressing scenes, the fades to red, the lights...Everything contributes to the dreamlike atmosphere of the picture, along with the sounds. I should point out that most of the sound, including music, is mostly and acoustic resonance more than melodic tunes to support the action. The bells, the clocks, breathing...

In terms of plot, it's hard to describe it, since, like I said, it's a poem or a dream. It doesn't follow a strict narrative line, but it chooses instead to focus on moments of extreme emotional tension from the lives of the sisters to explore their feelings of anguish and their inability to love and connect with each other and to others. It's a portrait of women, and as such men only appear in relation to them. Bergman explores the female body and face with his camera, which looks into places only cinema can find.

Well, right now I can't think of anything more to say. I don't like this review I just wrote because I have yet to give shape to my ideas. In a few days I hope to be able to write something more interesting. For now, I just ask you to experience his film, since there is no other like it. (By the way I could point out to some flaws, since there's no perfect work of art. Still this film is unique).