Persona
Persona

Movie spotlight

Persona

1966
Movie
84 min
Swedish

A young nurse, Alma, is put in charge of Elisabeth Vogler: an actress who is seemingly healthy in all respects, but will not talk. As they spend time together, Alma speaks to Elisabeth constantly, never receiving any answer.

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Metacritic92/100
Google Users89%
Director: Ingmar BergmanGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

During a theatre performance, famous actress Elisabet Vogler inexplicably falls silent, leaving her unable to speak. She is sent to a remote island cottage for recovery with her nurse, Alma. As the two women spend more time together, their identities begin to blur, leading to a profound psychological exploration of self, performance, and the nature of reality. The film delves into the complexities of human connection and the masks people wear.

Critical Reception

Persona is widely regarded as Ingmar Bergman's masterpiece and one of the greatest films ever made. Critics lauded its innovative cinematography, profound psychological depth, and powerful performances by Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann. It is celebrated for its challenging themes and ambiguous narrative, which continues to spark debate and analysis among cinephiles and scholars.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its daring experimental style and unsettling psychological exploration.

  • Hailed for the captivating performances of its lead actresses, Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann.

  • Recognized as a landmark in cinematic art, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual language.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praise Persona for its artistic brilliance, thought-provoking themes, and the masterful performances. Many find it a deeply affecting and unforgettable cinematic experience that invites multiple viewings and interpretations.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1967 Cannes Film Festival. Widely considered one of the most influential films of the 20th century, frequently appearing on 'greatest films' lists.

Fun Fact

Ingmar Bergman intentionally used a scene where the film reel appears to melt and break to symbolize the artificiality of cinema and the breakdown of the characters' psyches.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is one of my favourite Bergman films that darkly and potently showcases the skills of two women at the top of their game. "Elisabeth" (Liv Ullmann) is an acclaimed stage actress who, mid-performance, is struck dumb. Nobody is quite sur...