Through a Glass Darkly (1961)

Through A Glass Darkly is written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It's the Third film on MUBI's retrospective jaunt through his filmography that i've so far watched. The film tells the story of Karin a young woman who's recovering on a small island with her husband and family after a stay in a mental hospital. As she tries to re-establish connections with her emotionally suppressed family, she begins to disconnect with reality and starts to believe she's being visited and spoken to by god.The film centres around four main characters, Karin(Harriet Andersson), her emotionally despondent father David(Gunnar Björnstrand), her husband Martin(Max Von Sydow) who's dealing with the inevitability of Karin's diagnosis not Improving. Finally Karin's younger brother Minus, whose going through adolescence questioning everything with no emotional support from his father.Through A Glass Darkly is a beautifully shot, serene piece of film- making. The film feels sedated in an idle state of tranquillity that carries through a tinge of melancholy. This makes for a fantastic look at the human mentality in all forms. As the audience delves deeper into what makes the characters tick, we look at their fears and Insecurities. This film is one of Bergman's tightest scripts. Every character is given equal screen time to be fleshed out and developed into characters with a- lot of depth. At only eighty five minutes long, the film runs at a brisk pace and flows naturally.The film gives an honest look at mental health, and how it effects Karin and those closest to her. The fact that this film was made at a time when approach to mental health wasn't given the seriousness it has in today's society, is all the more remarkable. Whilst this film film might not be in the upper echelons of Bergman's incredible filmography. It's quiet serenity and dreamlike sensibility gives this film a powerful radiance which makes Through A Glass Darkly essential viewing in Bergman's filmography.

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY is a drama about a young woman, who suffers from mental illness, relationships, illusions and religion.The story takes place during a 24-hour period while four family members take their vacation on a remote island. A novelist, who has just returned from a long trip abroad, suffers from "writer's block". His daughter is released from an asylum where she has been treated for schizophrenia. His immature son feels deprived of his father's affection. A fourth family member is his patient and considerate son in law. A 24-hour of family drama, through games, lies, deception, passions, pain and faith...This is a realistic story about a mentally isolated people, who, in a kind of shock and tragedy seek for the necessary love. The protagonists wander aimlessly. They respond differently to a hopeless situation. This is evident during "mental wandering" of the main actress. Lonely souls try to feel the love through the knowledge of God. A disturbed mind has the illusion of encounter with God. That frightening contrast is a direct reflection of alienated minds. The sad and gloomy atmosphere in summer days on a remote island is another indication of that eclipse.The characterization is excellent.Harriet Andersson as Karin is aware of her agony and madness from which he can not escape. Her face is a reflection of the dark side of her soul and a puzzle with which she must live. Ms. Andersson has offered an unforgettable performance.Gunnar Björnstrand as David, her father, is a curious and sullen at the same time. He is a man who expresses his art while absorbs human souls. A strange feeling of guilt in a selfish being is very interesting. Max von Sydow as Martin, her husband, is a doctor who loves, understands, wants to make a change and feels helpless. Lars Passgård as Minus, her younger brother, is a hyperactive, sexually frustrated and confused child, who is not aware of the real problem.Consciousness seeks for knowledge through madness.

Ingmar Bergman I love and admire very much, and Through a Glass Darkly is another example of a brilliant film. It may not be among Bergman's finest like The Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries, Fanny and Alexander, Cries and Whispers and Persona, but there is much to love. The cinematography as ever from Sven Nykist looks atmospheric and beautiful at the same time and the scenery likewise. Bergman's direction is as ever accomplished, allowing us to be constantly engaged no matter how bleak the story is, and this is quite an unrelenting and I think incredibly moving story. His summer images are far from the optimistic ones we are used to, but bleaker and more searching. Considering the story though, this approach was necessary I think. The music is as ever haunting, and the film is very thought-provoking, which has always been the case actually with the written quality of Bergman's films. Of the acting, Harriet Andersson has a role that is quite impossible, but she is just outstanding in it. Max Von Sydow as ever impresses with his knowing face and commanding presence, and Gunner Bjornstrand gives a performance that requires him to be morbidly curious and helpless than his somewhat droll one in The Seventh Seal and he excels here. In a nutshell, brilliant and definitely worth watching. 9/10 Bethany Cox

While for me "Virgin Spring" or certain other films in his repertoire are better than this one, I would not say this was a bad film -- at all. I really enjoyed it, from its simple beginnings to a more dark and sinister ending. While much of it relies on madness and things that are not there, and a certain level of implication of some very improper acts, the film is simple but effective. I like it.I would normally comment on such topics as homosexuality when given the chance -- the son Minus is rumored to have been gay in some reviews -- but I just do not see it. Sexually repressed, maybe, but not gay. I would be open to arguments, though.