Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on March 24, 2007 at 05:49:17

his most known works in spite of being one of his most difficult to appreciate.
For one thing, the two-hour-plus film entirely takes place within the confines of one small setting, Petra's bedroom.
Claustrophobic? No, amazingly, because of the brilliance of the cinematography which takes full advantage of clever visual jokes, unusual props, and outrageous decor.
But this is an actors' film and Margit Carstensen gives a tour-de-force performance as a woman who, as the film unfolds, has seen her marriage disintegrate. She finds solace in the ascending success of her fashion design business and, more intimately, in the continual insulting and bullying of her assistant, Marlene.
For those who appreciate Bergman's intimate portrayals of women, this film will give you a very different, but no less fascinating, perspective on the portrayal of emotional pain, betrayal, and acceptance.
I cannot think of a more realistic picture of love ever filmed.