I'm not a visual person, which is why it may seem odd that film is my main medium of passionate interest. So many who have given credit to this film have drawn attention to the use of striking imagery to create mood, but I want to talk briefly instead about philosophical themes explored through dialogue. Bergman is a great visual artist, but as with his other films I've watched, it is the questions and themes he posits here which strike me
To me the film was about how mental illness changes perception, and how essentially helpless relatives looking on employ different methods to cope with it. Many people have cited this film as 'depressing', but I didn't see that at all. It's analytical and thoughtful, but at the climax a conclusion is reached that despite Karin's defences finally crumbling completely, LOVE is what kept her well for as long as she was
It provides a clear message that whatever your religious denomination, the attitudes of a support group drawn around to protect you can help stave off the inevitable for a certain amount of time. Religious people in society call this intangible bedrock 'God'; for others this manifests itself in a resilient compassion for their fellow man, but the effect generated remains the same.
To be sure, not everyone is perfect; there are times when we falter or become dispassionate (Gunnar Bjornstrand – "David") but even these feelings need to be worked through and understood during conversation, in order to maintain a general air of positivity that will benefit the suffering party. There is a healthy energy that can be mustered collectively by each of us, and together, we must work to use it for good. Building relationships builds security, which builds wellbeing – and that, as I saw it, is how the closure of a hopeful future was achieved.
It provides a clear message that whatever your religious denomination, the attitudes of a support group drawn around to protect you can help stave off the inevitable for a certain amount of time. Religious people in society call this intangible bedrock 'God'; for others this manifests itself in a resilient compassion for their fellow man, but the effect generated remains the same.
To be sure, not everyone is perfect; there are times when we falter or become dispassionate (Gunnar Bjornstrand – "David") but even these feelings need to be worked through and understood during conversation, in order to maintain a general air of positivity that will benefit the suffering party. There is a healthy energy that can be mustered collectively by each of us, and together, we must work to use it for good. Building relationships builds security, which builds wellbeing – and that, as I saw it, is how the closure of a hopeful future was achieved.