Rating: 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.
Rating: Summary: The Greatest Film of the 20th Century Review: i know you guys have serious qualms with the DVD itself and not the film, but a passing glance might cause people to think this isn't the brilliant, strangely moving film that it is. first off, that "grainy" look is how it was filmed in the first place, it enhances the creepy nature of the film (and at times, it IS quite disturbing). after multiple viewings, i'm closer to total understanding of this complex film, but i'm still not sure how to entice newbies. liv ullman and bibi anderson give power house performances that NO actress today could muster. their performances make Charleeze theron's turn in monster look less naturalistic in comparason. Bergman was a true master (also try Wild Strawberries and Seventh Seal) again, there are no true masters anymore because we live in a cynical, test-audience, money oriented age that stunts artistic growth: but that's another topic. this is a film that makes one think! and it's insipring too. power-house.
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