Review of Fanny and Alexander (1982) by Jim H — 06 Jan 2011

At the end of Bergman's Fanny and Alexander, I wondered if I was missing something. A director of Bergman's caliber doesn't include superfluous characters and events without a reason, yet I can't discern how the film's early scenes and many of the uncles and aunts are connected to the central conflict, which doesn't really begin until an hour and half into the film. It is then that Alexander and the Bishop begin their feud, which provides the most compelling moments of the film, and Bergman elevates this conflict to reflections about God, faith, death, and justice. When he's this specific, this focused, and this ambitious, Bergman's work is astounding, intelligent entertainment.

Also, while some have argued that the film is anti-semetic, I wouldn't go that far. Though it is certainly true that Bergman does nothing to disspell stereotypes about Jews, the character in question does end up assisting our heroes and looking benevolent in the process. Rather than condemning the film outright, I would temper that statement by saying that the film is certainly problematic in its portrayal.

Overall, this probably isn't the best introduction to Bergman, but critics claim that it is essential to understanding his oeuvre. I'm glad I saw it for that reason, but I don't think I'd watch it again.