Karin is released from a mental hospital and meets with her brother, father, and husband (Max von Sydow) vacationing on an island. She still has mental issues and everyone has family issues. Roll credits.
A lot more is going on than what my synopsis implies, but this is a film that's very hard to, you know, synopsize. Through a Glass Darkly was shot on Faro island, later nicknamed Bergmen Island, where the director would later take up residence. Interestingly, only four actors ever appear on screen. Even when another character is implied, they are not even glimpsed. This is a four person film.
So, once again Ingmar Bergman tries to come to terms with faith and death, and again falls short of a conclusion. But that, I believe, was the intent. We deal with life’s unknowable mysteries, and life goes on, until it doesn't.
Writer Josh Olson recently mentioned on his podcast that, essentially, all of Bergman’s films are horror, and he has a point. Add a few traditional horror elements and tone down the subtly, and you are definitely in the ballpark. I can see how some people, in the right environment, could find parts quite creepy.
Through a Glass Darkly is a slow think piece that will leave many people wondering what, if anything, even happened. Bergman is not for everyone. One measure I've come to use to rate films is to consider how long it will stay with me. This film will stay with me a while. AMRU 4.
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