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Summary: Bergman's stark depiction of schizophrania
Review: "Persona" is, without question, a difficult film to digest, not only because of it's unpleasant subject matter but because of it's pace and starkness. The story of an actress who's had a nervous breakdown and rendered mute and the nurse who cares for her, is a quiet, yet terrifying glimpse into madness. Alone on a desolate vacation island, these two women, beautifully played by Liv Ullman as the actress and Bibi Andersson as her nurse become virtual prisoners of their own psyches and fears. Ullman utters not a word in the entire film, but her performance is as convincing as that of Andersson, if not more because we are constantly left to wonder what or who is haunting her thoughts. It is my opinion that the dominant and submissive nature of these characters are meant to represent Bergman's vision of schizophrania. The scene where the screen is split in two with only half of the actresses face in view, as though melding together, each assuming the other's traits, further illustrates my theory. There are two minor, if important, roles, but 90% of the film is populated solely by the two aforementioned actresses. The stark cinematography and stretches of silence only add to the sense of hopelessness and despair. Definitely not a cheery, light piece of cinema. Those suffering from depression are advised to avoid it like the plague. But those that enjoy intellegent, challenging films, look no further. One of Bergman's greatest films.
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Summary: 'Persona' is one of the best personality depictions on film.
Review: 'Persona' is centered around the ideas of the Expressionists painting, the patterns of Gestalt therapy and the projections of Psychodrama. Bergman was influenced by the above and much more. Bergman was Swedish, but his experience was from the center of Western Europe of the 20th century. His portrayal of Elizabeth in the form of Liv Ullman is sensuous and sinister at the same time, calling to mind the paradoxical nature of Existensialism. We see the Nurse, (Bibi Anderson) and the Actress, (Liv Ullman)as both a single persona, though badly fragmented; and as two distinct people. The two distinct people seem not able to exist unless they coexist with help, one from the other. Witness the scene where Anderson chases Ullman across the beach, finally catching up to her, but not able to be a part of her. Here, the fragmentation of self is very strong and the need to be "togehter" isn't strong enough or sufficient enough to pull them into one being.
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Summary: Berman's most haunting film
Review: I saw this film over three months ago, but the brilliant images still stay with me, and I have a feeling that, like most great works, there are things that happen in this film that no one can ever forget. The opening sequence is far more original and artistic than most films of today which think they are influenced by Bergman. Along with being a startling intellectual puzzle, this film also stands for many emotional problems and slips of sincerity. The scene where the two women become one is reminiscent of the bathing scene in a different but similarly harrowing work, The Plague, but Camus. Utterly breathtaking and provocative.
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Summary: Broken Mirrors
Review: "Persona" is by far one of the most complex films ever fabricated in cinema. Like all Ingmar Bergman films, "Persona" challenges the viewer's thoughts of reason and reality. Made in 1967, this still remains to this day, the most haunting and confusing film on self-identity and the duality we have as human beings. Some might find the overlay of the movie too cynical maybe, but only because Bergman so purposely shows us our contradictory natures. Both character leads played by Bergman regulars Liv Ullman and Bibi Anderson give stunning performances, as usual. It's really amazing how well both women played such difficult roles, Ullman's character doesn't speak one line throughout the film and Anderson so captures all the different moods with an almost too realistic touch. Recommended to only serious movie-goers, Bergman fans, art house, foreign film fans, and those who can handle disturbing commentaries on self reflection.
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Summary: The Greatest Film of the 20th Century
Review: This is Ingmar Bergman's greatest achievement as a film director (most of us have not seen his stupendous stage productions and only a few of his "made-for-TV" films). It is, quite simply, the greatest film of the 20th century by its greatest film director. All films should be judged against it---and found worthy or wanting.
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Summary: Persona, unmatched in film history...
Review: Persona brings two very different characters, Alma (Bibi Andersson) and Elisabeth (Liv Ullman), to the screen. Alma is a nurse who has been designated to personally care for Elisabeth, who has had a "breakdown" after performing as Electra which was written by Sophocles. Elisabeth has decided to remain silent forever, and Alma is attempting to nurse her back to speech. The use of Electra adds a subtle touch by Bergman which can help the understanding of Liv Ullman's character in the film, since the whole film is an artistic event as it displays the convergence of Alma and Elisabeth. As the two women come together Bergman maximizes the situations and atmospheres by balancing contrasts, which enhances the emotional experience in the film. In addition, Persona offers a cinematic experience with contrasts as the story is compassionate and callous, which appears through the magical touch of Bergman's direction. The film presents several personal interpretations as well as several common interpretations as great art is known to do. Therefore, Bergman puts forward a brilliant cinematic experience which is unmatched in film history.
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Summary: Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson are AWESOME!!!
Review: I've never quite been into foreign films, but I decided to check out 'Persona' because it has been associated with one of my favorite films, Robert Altman's '3 Women.' I was frequently told by other film buffs, "If you like '3 Women,' you'll really like 'Persona.'" They were right, for I was completely blown away by this Bergman masterpiece. 'Persona' is a powerhouse of emotions, and the acting is superb. Liv Ullmann's silence is extremely compelling, for her nonverbal communication conveys a whole lot more than any dialogue could relate! Bibi Andersson's performance is heart-wrenching at times, for her persistance and confusion draws the viewer into her corner like a spider caught in a web. As far as Ingmar Bergman, I am now a dedicated fan of his films after viewing 'Persona.' There were a few bits during the opening montage that made me wince (beware!), but after seeing the entire film, I can understand why they were there. In addition, the visual look of some of the key scenes are among the most breathtaking I have ever seen in a film, such as the one where Liv almost floats into Bibi's room like a Nordic goddess. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Ingmar Bergman, arthouse cinema or films about the psychology of relationships.
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Summary: Among his best
Review: Ingmar Bergman is one of few directors who have won universal acclaim for non-english-spoken features.
His PERSONA 1966 is 1 of his most complex productions and showcases two brilliant performances from Liv Ullmann and Bibi Andersson - long active in his "reportary company"...
What is stunning with Bergman is that he dares to let us get into the soul of his protagonists, even their duller and boring sides... Their long conversations, inner dialogue and soliliques are a Bergman trademark.
Mr Bergman and the characters of his films are easy to identify yourself with because he deals with the inner strength, turmoils and angst of the human being. "Persona" is no exception:-)
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Summary: Bergman Penetrates Into the Unconcious
Review: Persona is a great film with great images. Bergman expresses so much - with so much subtlety. Though nobody can give an absolute explanation to everything in the film - its ambiguity -
and its possibilities are what make it so intriguing - almost spiritual (which is a word with its own world of ambiguity)
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful women going mad
Review: Let's give it four stars instead of five, just to tone down the adulation a hair. Face it, although this is a penetrating and powerful film, some people are going to be left completely cold by it. It's not for today's Spider-Man 2 plot compulsive viewers.
I just watched this film again tonight -- we're blessed with a Bergman festival here in Washington, DC just now (July 2004). I watched it as a quasi-double bill with Through a Glass Darkly -- another movie, like this one, in which Bibi Andersson goes mad. Yet two completely different performances, portraying different-seeming women.
In this one, as the other plot summaries state, Andersson nurses an actress played by Liv Ullmann who decides to stop talking. Andersson takes that silence as a cue to start talking herself, opening up about herself and the sins of her past. Like so many other serious sixties movies, this one toys with the idea of who is the sane one.
You should pick your friends carefully and Ullmann proves maybe not Andersson's best bet. Let's not give away too much about what happens, but like so many Bergman pictures this is about whether any two people can truly know each other -- whether you can know the person you're talking to and living with, or whether you only know a mask that person is wearing. Ullmann and Andersson are made up to look very much alike, lending an overt touch to the idea that their personalities are somehow merging or overlapping as they explore themselves through their interactions with each other.
Their interactions are about all you get -- there are only a few other characters in the film. The two actresses do their thing in seclusion in a typical Bergman seaside setting. Don't expect any car chases!
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