Review of Fanny and Alexander (1982) by Little B — 20 Nov 2013
It takes a bit of patience, but if one is able to sit down and watch the truly sprawling epic-like vision that runs just a little over 5 hours - the viewer is rewarded with an odd and unforgettable film experience.
Though, at times, it does feel like some scenes go on longer than required this film has so many magical moments the slow pace hardly matters. At its core, FANNY & ALEXANDER is a dark examination of the horrors of child abuse and the lasting impact that will haunt a person forever.
But, the gothic surrealism that fills the screen is tinged with a realistic understanding that there is love in this world. Some might disagree with me, but this film almost left me feeling like I had just watched a massive film about the horrors of chance that quite literally turn a childhood into a sort of prison from which there may never be a complete way out.
Powerful stuff. And, it is well worth skipping the edited down theatrical version for the original Swedish TV mini -series that this film was intended to be. Close to being a masterpiece from a true Master of Cinema.
This review of Fanny and Alexander (1982) was written by Little B on 20 Nov 2013.
Fanny and Alexander has generally received very positive reviews.
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