Theatrical images in Bergman’s films

• Main Author: Bjartmarsdottir Sveinbjornsson, Anna
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/10191

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the theatricality in a selection of Ingmar Bergman's films. First, I define what I mean by theatricality. I establish four theatrical elements or categories to look for in Bergman's films: mise-en-scene, characters, influence, playwithin- a-play. I then give a brief overview of Bergman's work in the theater and in the cinema. Next, I analyze three films according to the model that I have made: Sawdust and Tinsel, Fanny and Alexander and After the Rehearsal. I find that all three films contain these elements and discuss what they are. I then discuss Bergman's other films, pointing out the prevalence of these theatrical elements. Finally, I conclude that Bergman makes extensive use of theatrical elements in order to convey universal human concerns. His intimate knowledge of this environment allows him to portray these concerns in a convincing manner.