Film ReVision #15 - Fanny and Alexander

Myriad Arts' video blog that, over the course of 2008 discusses 25 films from 25 years ago. This episode discusses the Swedish classic film "Fanny and Alexander" with host Jonathan Betzler and guests Natalie Zitter and Matt Polis.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• film
• discussion
• review
• Swedish
• Bergman
• melodrama
• Oscar
• family
• religion
• metaphor
• mysticism
• foreign
• opulence

[breakingdownfilms]

Interesting discussion guys. My friend and I are watching all of Bergman's films -- from his first to his last -- and discussing each in detail over on our channel. youtube. com/breakingdownfilms If you get a chance, take a look and let me know what you think... Dave

[mosessauce]

i've always understood the trunk scene to be beyond explanation, beyond logic, in line with the kind of mysticism that isak's character represented. whether it was some kind of mental illusion that isak created as you suggest, or that he somehow teleported them, or whatever theory you can come up with, i think bergman intentionally left the scene ambiguous.

[EvilRadiatedMonkey]

It's also the 3 hour version they saw, if anything I would suggest the 5 hour version that truly is the complete story. And also the superior one. Bergman had to cut a lot from the theatrical version and not just scenes from the family, but also scenes of importanca thematically.

And the first act kicks The Godfather's arse. :D Which it reminded me of.

[Mattsdmf]

I think the film would be appreciated more if you were able to go back and view Bergman's major films and themes leading up this film. He takes everything from tragedy to existential and religious questions to family issues to mysticism and romance and comedy and brought it all together in this film.

I do recommend The Seventh Seal, Cries & Whispers and Wild Strawberries.