Das Gesicht (1958)

Das Gesicht: Directed by Ingmar Bergman. With Max von Sydow, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand, Naima Wifstrand. A traveling magician and his assistants are persecuted by authorities in Sweden of the 19th century. Their captures, however, didn’t bring victory to those in power.

“Most of Ingmar Bergmanu0026#39;s films are meant to titillate the intellect. The Magician is no exception. It is rich with symbolism. I think it ranks right up there with u0026quot;Death in Veniceu0026quot; on the list of misunderstood movies.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI believe the most rewarding level of meaning in u0026quot;The Magicianu0026quot; is the religious one. Bergman was often concerned with the implications of religious beliefs. And almost always from the attitude of doubt. Consider the lines in The Seventh Seal where the vicious monk, annoyed with the knightu0026#39;s persistence, asks, u0026quot;Will you never stop asking questions?u0026quot; and the knight replies resolutely, u0026quot;No. Never.u0026quot;u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWatching this movie with the idea of Vogler as Jesus provides a perspective that informs the characters and their conduct. This melancholy magician, doubted and persecuted by the powerful, surrounded by strange and suspicious persons, is simultaneously visionary and earthy flesh and blood. He only wants to perform his miracles for the masses. Or is he a charlatan? What a powerful way to pose that question.”