Freescotland June 19th, 2007

This film seems like a natural progression when watched in conjunction with "Wild Strawberries" and the "The Seventh Seal," which were made just before this one. "The Virgin Spring," which if memory serves is based on an old Swedish folk story, is far more overtly redemptive, however. The dramatic use of light and shadow in the closet-like farmhouse contrasted with the warm sunlight on the path to the river, the use of snow as metaphor after the villainous acts. Cinematographer Sven Nykvist borrows heavily from Orson Welles' "Magnificent Ambersons" and "Journey Into Fear" but adds his own black and white vision creating the stark contrasts. Ingeri's path to redemption is so amazing that even those who might normally avoid foreign films will find it moving. And at least for me, for some reason the lyrical sound of the Swedish means the actors emotions are not lost in the act of reading subtitles.
Thanks Joe, for the reminder. I haven't watched Bergman in years, but will have to look for these on DVD.

Andrew June 20th, 2007

Hi guys,
I thought I'd drop you a line just so you don't think you've been forgotten. I'm enjoying both shows immensely, but this one in particular.
I've always been keen to watch some Bergman films, just never got around to it, but after listening to WTD and this program I'm esepcially looking forward to getting hold of some for a watch.
Just one question I have – a bit out of left field probably – what's with the slowed down voice over when announcing this is Watching Theology? It's actually really annoying.
Is there a particular purpose for it? I would suggest just using Joe's unedited voice – as I assume you do with WTD.
Anyway, keep at it.
And I can't wait to see how you go with Die Hard!

Joe Johnson June 25th, 2007

Hey Andrew,

Sorry for the late reply. For some reason Bergman just hit on target for me. I'm not a big fan of dramas or foreign films. Despite what might come across, I'm not even a terrible film snob. But the Bergman stuff just captured something that seemed refreshing – perhaps because of his interest in religion and philosophy.

As for the "annoying" voice thing. Yeah, it's pretty bad. I wanted a different voice than just mine and it pretty much didn't work out. Melissa and I are in touch with a person who does some professional voice work and we will be replacing that little bit soon.

Thanks. Joe.