Ingmar Bergman - dead at 89

[RobertR]

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070...it_bergman

 

I'm sure some out there thought he died years ago. He basically retired from motion picture directing in 1982.

 

One of the most accomplished and influential autuers in cinema history. And probably one of the least seldom seen in the US. He's one of the big holes in my viewing as well as I can only claim to have seen THE SEVENTH SEAL and THE VIRGIN SPRING, both remarkable movies. And very accessible and human works.

 

I get the impression that a lot of people think of him as a cold, arty, intellectual. And while there is some of the latter to his work, I've been surprised by the warmth of his work and humor. He was closer to Fellini or Truffaut than Godard, IMO.

 

THE SEVENTH SEAL is obviously his most famous work. Being referenced in BILL AND TED'S BOGUS JOURNEY and LAST ACTION HERO, and elsewhere. And he was obviously an influence on Woody Allen. It's too bad that he's been more experienced by reference here than by actual viewing of his movies. With any luck, TCM will host a marathon.

 

Robert

[RobertR]

Just for fun, a link to a You Tube clip from THE SEVENTH SEAL.

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=a...t%2Ecom%2F

 

Robert

[JoeHova]

I knew who started this thread even before I finished reading the title. You really love your classic film Robert, I always enjoy your posts on cinema.

 

Too bad about Ingmar, but he seems to have lived a good life.

[RobertR]

Yeah, I don't think it's any surprise who started this list.

 

In related news, Michelangelo Antonioni passed away at age 94. I keep meaning to see Blow Up and L'Avventura, but never have found the time. And, of course, the latter has a reputation as a movie that demands full "film scholar" mode to appreciate it.

 

Robert

[JoeHova]

I've got both of those Antonioni films, but I haven't watched them yet. I don't know, I kind of have to be in a certain mood to watch foreign films, especially ones as highly regarded as those. Like you say, you need to really concentrate on them to appreciate them fully.