Review of Persona (1966) by Ryan B — 15 Nov 2012

There are films in this universe where it's title plays a vital role in emphasizing the meaning or the idea behind the film. Ingmar Bergman's genuine masterpiece Persona is a perfect example of that fact. Persona means "The aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others".

This 1966 Swedish film starring two of the most beautiful women and wonderful actresses I have encountered on screen: Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann has an utterly simple tale to tell but with an extremely complex yet ferociously dazzling surreal touch from Bergman. Persona was written by Bergman in nine weeks while recovering from pneumonia. It is a story of a nurse, Alma played by Bibi Andersson, who is put on charge to take care of an actress, Elisabeth Vogler played by Liv Ullmann. Elisabeth has gone mute. The Doctor (one of the only 5 actors that appear in this film and played by Margaretha Krook) couldn't figure out anything wrong with her. She is mentally and physically normal yet she refuses to talk. Eventually, both Alma and Elisabeth move to a beach-side cottage for Elisabeth to "recover". Alma while spending time with the mute Elisabeth begins talking to her heart's content and confesses her secrets to Elisabeth. Alma slowly understands during her stay with Elisabeth that her own personality is being submerged into Elisabeth's persona....

Persona is one of those beautiful films that we love to visit and revisit just to know it's mysteries. Today I revisited this film. It's beautiful images, though confusing at times, are unforgettable! Especially the ones involving the conversation between it's two fantastic female characters. Many people have said that if we simply mute the sound, it will still remain an admirable piece of art. The prelude itself is a proof of that fact that displays random images of violence and innocence; one that also includes an infamous shot of an erect penis. The most important being those of a movie projector, something that will only be understood once you have seen this film yourself. Persona's imagery is hard to analyze. Over the years, people have developed multiple interpretations. I hardly ever participate in these kind discussions especially the ones that involve surreal elements. Still, the most stunning images that Bergman created in Persona are so exquisite. Bergman is truly an ingenious director. Persona is like travelling in and experiencing a person's worst nightmares, his/hers worst fears and in Persona's case: The fear of dying. The vital thing about Persona is how the audience reacts to it. And no one can ever forget the Stunning cinematography by Sven Nykvist that have created many iconic moments which are often reflected in the world cinema today.

Persona has one of the incredible performances in cinema. Bibi Andersson personifies very well the character of Alma. Liv Ullmann is another brilliant actress who, even without any words, gives a solid performance. Cinematographer Sven Nykvist has photographed both these actresses flawlessly (As described earlier) by using amusing lighting effects. No wonder Bergman fell in love with the pretty Liv Ullmann during the making of this film. Persona has also heavily influenced the cinema world. David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, Woody Allen's films (Love and Death), the two female protagonists in Lars Von Triers' Melancholia are a few examples.

Now, I want to make it clear that this film is not for everyone. Though I will still suggest strongly to give this one a try. This surreal masterpiece is one those films you ought to see before you die...