Saraband DVD: Review By Courtney O.

Saraband is the quietly passionate follow-up to Ingmar Bergman's 1973 film, Scenes from a Marriage. Both feature Liv Ullman as Marianne and Erland Josephson as Johan. Marianne and Johan are divorced; they haven't seen each other for more than 30 years when, when looking through old photographs and reminiscing, Marianne decides to visit Johan at his isolated country home. Johan's son, Henrik (Borje Ahlstedt) lives in a cottage on the estate with his 19-year-old daughter, Karin (Julia Dufvenius). All of this material story line of this film is revealed in the first 10 minutes, while the rest of the plot is portrayed by the interactions of the 4 main characters. Interestingly a 5th character, Henrik's wife Anna, two years dead, dominates and is central to the entire story.

Saraband is a literal work of art. The film is played out in 10 oral duets, with a solo prologue and solo epilogue spoken by Marianne. Saraband explores the intense love-hate relationship between father and son, and father and daughter. The scene where Johan yields to anguish and anxiety and seeks refuge in his former wife's bed is very moving, as is the scene where Henrik goes to his father to ask for money.

The title of the movie comes from cello suites composed by Bach, which are dances for couples. That is exactly what this movie is--10 beautifully filmed and acted 'dances'. Each 'dance' leaves you wondering who this movie is actually about, but by the end of the epilogue spoken by Marianne, we realize the film was about her all along. She has witnessed the deepest workings of humankind. No longer a judgmental woman, she listens to everyone, and now recognizes the sorrow humans bring to each other.

The special feature, The Making of Saraband makes for an interesting film in itself. It is a wonderful doc*mentary demonstrating the genius of Ingmar Bergman. Take the time to watch it.