Review of Persona (2000) by Chris M — 13 Mar 2009

"Persona" is perhaps not a film that should be reviewed after just one viewing. It's a film that spins a web of mysteries - one that begs repeated viewings to either solidify your opinion or change it entirely. From the opening sequence of a projector lamp lighting up and revealing a series of disturbing images, to the infamous film "burning" that occurs late in the film, it's a film that demands to be studied.

The film centers around Elizabeth (Liv Ullman), a stage actress, who one day, during a performance of "Electra", stops speaking. At the request of her psychiatrist, Elizabeth is sent away with a nurse, Alma (Bibi Andersson), to spend the summer months in a vacation home. An uneasy friendship begins to simmer as Alma enjoys Elizabeth's silent company. However, when Alma finds a letter that Elizabeth had been writing which shares a very personal anecdote that Alma had revealed, the nurse is infuriated and in a fit of frustration hurls a pot of boiling water at Elizabeth in a last effort to get her to finally speak.

The anecdote I just mentioned is perhaps one of the most erotic visions in cinema history. Although there is no visual reenactment of Alma's personal reflection, it creates an extremely rich scene that is absolutely unforgettable. The scene involves Alma and her friend sunbathing nude on a beach. Two men, who had been spying, eventually get closer. Alma's friend spots them, and tells them to come over. The four have an orgy, and Alma had never felt so alive.

The title, "Persona", a singular world, solidifies the viewpoint that Elizabeth and Alma are one in the same. However, one of the great paradoxes is that we don't know in exactly what way. Are they simply being compared in an argument that all mankind is one in the same, or is this truly one woman with a divided personality? I've seen it interpreted both ways, and the ambiguity is perhaps what gives it it's lasting power.

The great thing about the film, however, is that although it's often challenging, it's never incomprehensible. We never get the sense of a masturbatory pretentiousness, nor does the film ever truly lose it's footing. In that way, i'm not sure that "Persona" can be considered a "confusing" film - it's perhaps only a film that should be described as open to interpretation and thought. Nobody should have any troubles understanding the narrative even if they aren't sure what to make of all the symbolism.

I don't think "Persona" is a masterpiece on the level of "Cries and Whispers", but it's certainly more than worth your time.