Three Classics – Still Relevant

Over the past week I have watched three really heavy and depressing films.  But all three were engrossing and magnificent filmmaking.  Autumn Sonata (1978, 1h 38m, Director Ingmar Bergman se) and My Dinner With Andre (1981, 1h 50m, Directed by Louis Malle, fr).and The Unbearable Likeness of Being (1988, 2h 51m, Director Philip Kaufman us) all have very different subjects but very similar themes.  Each is a work of philosophy with the strands of Love, Identity, Language and Communication, Power and Selfishness present in all three.  Despite the time period covered each is very relevant today.  Men and women have not progressed much in their struggles to find themselves, comfort with others and acceptance of themselves.

Each of these films, to me, reflects both the reason we need movies and the “art” of film.  The cinematography is top notch, editing providing a smooth depiction, and acting absolutely top notch.  In Sonata Liv Ullman and Ingrid Bergman put on a joint tour de force, unmatched.  Music is used sparingly but so effectively in each.  I needed time to think and digest what I had seen and heard, taking a few days after each viewing.  I know now that I need to watch all three again stopping as it goes along so as to be able to chew some more on the dialog and meanings.

An exciting experience.  Thank you Filmstruck and Criterion.