Through A Glass Darkly:

Film buffs should take time out to see one of cinema’s most influential filmmaker’s works in Through a Glass, Darkly: The Films of Ingmar Bergman, at GOMA Cinema A, from 1 – 19 March.

One of the most accomplished directors of post-war European cinema, Bergman is idolised by other filmmakers, and even lovingly parodied by the likes of uber fan, Woody Allen, in Love and Death. With a career spanning seven decades, Bergman’s films are known for their exploration of religious themes, mortality and human relationships, and of course for their dazzling visuals, often courtesy of cinematographer Sven Nykvist who gave us the unforgettable scene of the knight and Death playing chess on the beach in The Seventh Seal.

In Through a Glass, Darkly – named after Bergman’s 1961 film of the same name – the free program comprises a selection of the director’s key works that illustrate his extraordinary development and breadth.

It’s a rare opportunity to catch masterpieces such as The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries in a cinematic setting. You’ll also see recurring appearances by Bergman favourites, actors Max von Sydow, Liv Ullmann and Ingrid Thulin.

Also part of the program are Bille August’s The Best Intentions (1992) – a study of the relationship between Bergman’s parents – and the documentary, Trespassing Bergman (2013), with major cinematic figures discussing the enduring legacy of the Swedish legend.

By Vicki Englund