Review of The Magician (1958) by Kevin N — 16 Oct 2010
A totally hypnotic film from one of the medium's most unique masters that proves to be wholly different than anything Bergman made before or after. It works as a kind of bridge between the director's earlier metaphysical comedies and his later, starker-toned arthouse films; in fact, what works so well is the way this film jumps back and forth between tones on a whim so that a moment can go from hysterical to frightening without any kind of warning, and then right back again.
The cast is led by a whole slew of excellent performers (and Bergman regulars), particularly Bibi Andersson, Erland Josephson and, of course, the incredible Max von Sydow. Featuring gorgeous black and white photography, a wicked sense of humor (the story just drips with sex) and eerie undertones of the unknown, this is one of Bergman's most underrated and most enjoyable films.
This review of The Magician (1958) was written by Kevin N on 16 Oct 2010.
The Magician has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
