In 1909, poor, idealistic theology student Henrik Bergman falls in love with Anna Åkerbloom, the intelligent, educated daughter of a rich family in Uppsala. After their wedding Henrik becomes a priest in the north of Sweden. After a few years Anna can't stand living in the rural county with the uncouth people. She returns to Uppsala, Henrik stays in the north.
After a long and successful career, Bergman wrote this script: essentially the story of his parents, who were second cousins, who fell in love despite some obstacles. And he did not just write it as a throwaway, he passionately threw himself into it and it became a three-hour epic.
I do love that directing duties fell to Bille August. I would think with a story so personal, Bergman himself would want to have complete control. But no, he distanced himself. And that was a brave, bold move. His family's story as told by a third party.
After a long and successful career, Bergman wrote this script: essentially the story of his parents, who were second cousins, who fell in love despite some obstacles. And he did not just write it as a throwaway, he passionately threw himself into it and it became a three-hour epic.
I do love that directing duties fell to Bille August. I would think with a story so personal, Bergman himself would want to have complete control. But no, he distanced himself. And that was a brave, bold move. His family's story as told by a third party.