Ingmar Bergman: memorial viewing

Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Stanley Kubrick and Federico Fellini all are gone now. These were the masters of filmmaking in the 20th century's second half. Many world-class directors carry on their work -- the creation of arthouse fare, films as literature -- but none of these successors inspired the universal fame and respect accorded these artists.

Bergman, who died today at age 89, was the least accessible of these directors. The Swede's often bleak themes -- isolation, existential horror, the sickness onto death, sexual combat, religious alienation and the like -- tested even the hardiest grad school admirers. Yet some of his films are remarkably warm and approachable.

The Criterion Collection gave its attentions to numerous Bergman titles in recent years. Here are my favorites:

Smiles of a Summer Night: This 1957 film brought Bergman a career-making award at Cannes. Little of this sexy farce hints at the films to come, part of its charm. Three couples spend a weekend in the country; everyone changes partners before it's over. Absolutely lovely. One of my top 20 films.

The Virgin Spring: Vanity, murder and hellish revenge in a tale set in rural 14th century Sweden. Its shock value and horrible beauty remain intact. Criterion redid this title in early 2006. Gorgeous rendering of Sven Nykvist's images.

Fanny and Alexander: Bergman worked in television throughout his career. The film "Fanny and Alexander" (pictured) was taken from his five-hour TV miniseries. The Criterion DVD set of November 2004 includes both the theatrical and 312-minute versions. It tells of turn-of-century children whose warm family life disappears, replaced by a stern, hard new reality. Ghosts and gray areas abound.

Tempted to include "Cries & Whispers" -- for the strong and adventurous only.

Also see -- Ingmar Bergman: Memorial Viewing