It got way too pretentiously weird in the end, and the tonal shift came out of nowhere. There was a consistent narrative flowing along until all of a sudden, Bibi starts speaking gibberish. I had absolutely no idea what was going on for the last twenty minutes.
shareFIlm,
I suggest you watch it again, as you seem to have lost the film's thread. And remember that in Persona the thematic is primary, and the end of the film is not when the narrative ends.
This is a great film, but it is not an easy one to understand, despite the linear progress of the narrative. Patience.
What would you consider his best? I've only seen two of his films, but this one left he highest impression on me so far.
shareHuston,
I might think your question was aimed at the OP, but given that Persona, which i think is Bergman's best, is nonetheless rather difficult, as I think about it none of them are particularly easy. The Seventh Seal is at least straightforward, having a linear story line (as does Persona) but without the cinematic references, even if the Existential metaphysical theological elements are very serious.
Wild Strawberries is less grinding in the way Seventh Seal is but does contain dream sequences and flashbacks. Having said that the themes are more accessible - family, memories of lost love, aging.
Scenes From a Marriage is worth a mention here, made for television, in color, not a period piece, a rather straightforward if very well told subject. But the problem is it is beter to see the tv version, and that is six hours long.
I am sure some might say Cries and Whispers, a period piece but somehow no less accessible for it. In color, in fact beautiful cinematography. But it is not one of my favorites, so....
Perhaps Smiles of a Summer Night would be a good place to start. A comedy, something of a sex farce, beautifully cast and acted. It's only limitation is that it is not what anyone would call a typical Bergman film, but keeping that in mind it might be the best place to start.
You see, I've seen The Seventh Seal and I disliked most of it to be honest. I explained why in a discussion for that film. Given the time since I've made this post, my regard for Persona has increased incredibly. I want to rewatch it soon, if only I had time for it. But Bergman is puzzling to me currently, but with your help I feel like the best direction from here is Wild Strawberries.
The initial message was for the OP, as I wanted to understand where they were coming from for such a claim, however I thank you for your suggestions and explanation of Bergman's selected works.
huston,
Well, if you've already seen Persona and love it, that changes my recommendation, although Wild Strawberries is always a winner. You might focus on some of the other sixties films. The Silence was right before Persona and is a fascinating comparitor. Two female leads, Ingrid Thulin and Gunnel Lindblom, there both sisters. The difference thematically is that the focus examines sequences of ways of interacting between people rather than really delving into the question whether authentic interaction is achievable.
My favorite sixtied decade Bergman after Persona, though, is The Passion, which to be frank is not on everyone's list. I think that is because it looks like a more conventional film when it really isn't. In color, his first feature length non-tv film to be so. Highly recommend it. Probably the best cast ever, with Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson back along with Max von Sydow (his last Bergman film) and Erland Josephson.
Winter Light is a very bleak but cinematically perfect film. Ingrid Thulin and Gunnel Lindblom are also both in this one, but also Gunnar Bjornstrand as the male lead, and a small part for von Sydow.
Hour of the Wolf and Shame, both with Ullmann and von Sydow, are also great. Ingrid Thulin has a fascinating part in Hour.
Happy Hunting!