Review of Persona (1966) by David K — 17 Feb 2009

I've seen only a handful of Bergman films, most of which have been designated as his "classic" films. Frankly, I didn't find them all that great. Now, with "Persona," I thought I'd get more of the same.

Characters crying for answers and struggling with life. Don't get me wrong, all of that is here, but it's done in a much more mature and interesting way. I won't lie, "Persona" confused the hell out of me.

When the film ended, I was perplexed and off-balance. I didn't know what to feel or think. So I thought about the film quite a bit, and found some answers by thinking about it, but was ultimately still left with lots of questions.

So I went online and read Roger Ebert's review who basically summed it up perfectly. I don't want to repeat what he wrote because it is right on. Instead, I'll say "Persona" is an experience first and foremost.

It's an experience that needs to be thought about. Finally, it's an experience that needs to be discussed. "Persona" has the facade of being extremely cryptic and mysterious. While it is both of those things, it's also very literal and beautiful.

It's themes are deep and complex but universal. To fully grasp this film, it needs to be discussed among others who have seen it. While it may be one of the more personal viewing experiences a person will have, it's a film that must be shared to fully enjoy.