Fanny and Alexander

About Fanny and Alexander

"Fanny and Alexander" is a Swedish drama directed by Ingmar Bergman and released in 1982. The film follows the life events of two siblings, Fanny and Alexander Ekdahl, as they experience love, loss and pungent family ties. The movie includes three distinct periods: a grand Christmas celebration, a somber period in a strict Bishop's house, and a return to a more colorful environment.

Making / Production

The film was initially conceived as a four-part miniseries on Swedish television, but Bergman later decided to make a cinematic version, which was trimmed down for international cinema release. The film received critical acclaim upon its release due in part to the richly artistic and stimulating cinematography by Sven Nykvist.

Actors

• Pernilla Allwin as Fanny Ekdahl: Displayed an extraordinary performance as the innocent and intuitive Fanny.
• Bertil Guve as Alexander Ekdahl: Delivered a compelling rendition of the imaginative and spirited Alexander.
• Jan Malmsjö as Bishop Edvard Vergerus: Brought to life the strict and intimidating Bishop Vergerus with immense conviction.
• Gunn Wållgren as Helena Ekdahl: Embodied the role of the loving and nurturing grandmother, Helena, with utmost grace.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Fanny and Alexander" was originally planned to be Ingmar Bergman's last film before retirement.
• The series originally ran for 312 minutes but was cut down to 188 minutes for its cinematic release.
• The film includes more than 60 speaking parts and more than 1200 separate shots.

Awards

"Fanny and Alexander" is one of Ingmar Bergman's most renowned films and won four Academy Awards in 1984 for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design and Best Foreign Language Film.

Quotes

• "We're small in a truly incomprehensible universe."
• "The world is a Den of Thieves, and night is falling."
• "Anything can happen, anything is possible and likely."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Clarinet Concerto in A Major" by W.A. Mozart
• "Mazurka in A Minor" by Frédéric Chopin
• "Piano Concerto No.21 in C Major" by W.A. Mozart