An elderly writer/film-maker (Erland Josephson) interviews an imagined character Marianne (Lena Endre) who recounts an adulterous affair that destroyed her family. ("Faithless" is directed by Liv Ullmann and written by Ingmar Bergman.)
The premise of having the story narrated works beautifully especially for a twist that happens near the end. It is also a wonderful excuse to include Josephson, a past collaborator with both Bergman and Ullmann.
The characters in the story seem to have more advantages than most. All of them earn a living (and for some, a good one at that) in the arts: Marianne is an actress; her lover David (Krister Henriksson) is a theatre/film director (albeit one in serious debt); and her husband Markus (Thomas Hanzon) is an internationally renowned orchestra conductor. While it may be tempting to envy those living the artistic life, the ones depicted here should be avoided in the envy trap due to the troubles they face.
Some might argue that the film is too long at two and a half hours. It might also be argued that there were too many elements of drama especially those added to the end when it seemed there was already enough to absorb. While these might be fair arguments, one thing is certain: Ullmann and her cast easily bring viewers to an emotional state and keep them there. Endre, particularly, gives an exceptional performance especially during two monologues.
Whether collaborating as actress & director or director & writer, Ullmann and Bergman easily create great magic together. While "Faithless" is a relatively recent film, its depth and intensity remind one of earlier collaborations of these two great artists in the 60s and 70s as well as other great works of that magnificent era.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Liv Ullmann
Acting by Lena Endre
The premise of having the story narrated works beautifully especially for a twist that happens near the end. It is also a wonderful excuse to include Josephson, a past collaborator with both Bergman and Ullmann.
The characters in the story seem to have more advantages than most. All of them earn a living (and for some, a good one at that) in the arts: Marianne is an actress; her lover David (Krister Henriksson) is a theatre/film director (albeit one in serious debt); and her husband Markus (Thomas Hanzon) is an internationally renowned orchestra conductor. While it may be tempting to envy those living the artistic life, the ones depicted here should be avoided in the envy trap due to the troubles they face.
Some might argue that the film is too long at two and a half hours. It might also be argued that there were too many elements of drama especially those added to the end when it seemed there was already enough to absorb. While these might be fair arguments, one thing is certain: Ullmann and her cast easily bring viewers to an emotional state and keep them there. Endre, particularly, gives an exceptional performance especially during two monologues.
Whether collaborating as actress & director or director & writer, Ullmann and Bergman easily create great magic together. While "Faithless" is a relatively recent film, its depth and intensity remind one of earlier collaborations of these two great artists in the 60s and 70s as well as other great works of that magnificent era.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Liv Ullmann
Acting by Lena Endre