Review of The Virgin Spring (1960) by Greg D — 08 Apr 2012

Sometimes the sound of silence is the most powerful and impactful sound to use. This is the case in Bergman's Virgin Spring. The two most climactic scenes are the rape scene and the revenge on the rapist brothers.

Both scenes utilize the sound of ambience. In combination with a under abundance of cuts, viewers are forced to sit and stare without the influence of music. These are real moments. No music would be playing in real life.

Additionally, Bergman's use of lighting and camera angle are superb in these scenes but also throughout. The revenge scene is most notable in both of these techniques, though, because of the fire that is burning in the center of the room.

There is a brilliant shot of Herr (Max von Sydow) burning inside about the rape and death of his daughter behind the flames of the fire which acts metaphorically and provides beautiful shadow across his face.

Aside from technique, the film;s content is not the deepest that has ever been seen. A daughter is raped, the rapists seek hospitality in the daughter's parents house, and the Herr takes them down.

It is a religious household but not even God could save the daughter. Bergman's direction is easily the star of this film.