Review of Wild Strawberries (2012) by Mereie D — 16 Feb 2010

If you want to see a classic about relational friction (in all possible forms), the melancholy of old age or just about human life rearing its ugly head, Smultronstället is a very good option. The topic may not be very original, but the way itâ??s been worked out definitely is.

Particularly interesting are the peculiar dreams Dr. Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström) has and the fears and other depressing thoughts they encompass. Similarly I could really appreciate the artistic value of the childhood flashbacks with the protagonist taking an anachronistic walk right through the scenes, making it even more clear that all this very much concerns him, especially in his old-age reveries.

The good thing about Smultronstället, I think, is that its theme is basic and serious without resulting in the depressing movie one might have expected to ensue from this. The people in the flashbacks and the servant even have some silly caricature qualities, and the quarreling friends and couples also add to the amusement.

The various cases of marital friction (in past and present) that are not so jolly could at least be called very realistic and recognizable. This movie is the first Bergman production I ever saw, and I must admit it well exceeded my expectations, effacing the fearful hopes I had of his work.