About 'Through a Glass Darkly'

'Through a Glass Darkly' is a poignant drama, directed by the renowned Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. Released in 1961, this movie explores complex themes of mental illness, faith and the human condition.

The movie is set on a remote island, where four individuals - Karin, her husband Martin, her younger brother Minus, and their father David - are spending their vacation. Karin suffers from a mental disorder which deeply affects her perception of herself and those around her. Through the characters' deeply personal experiences and struggles, Bergman explores profound questions about existence, sanity, and divine presence.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Allan Ekelund and was part of Bergman's trilogy, including the films 'Winter Light' and 'The Silence', both of which similarly grapple with religious and existential themes. 'Through a Glass Darkly' was famously shot on the island of Fårö, which later became Bergman's home.

Actors

• Harriet Andersson as Karin: Harriet's portrayal of a woman battling schizophrenia earned her much praise. Her nuanced performance brings great depth and complexity to her character.
• Max von Sydow as Martin: Max plays Karin's devoted husband who navigates his way through her mental instability with empathy and understanding.
• Lars Passgård as Minus: Passgård plays the role of Karin's younger brother, who is confused and grappling with his own adolescence and the complex family dynamics around him.
• Gunnar Björnstrand as David: Bergman regular Björnstrand plays the indifferent father who is more interested in his literary work than his family's wellbeing. His performance gives voice to human egoism and selfishness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the first of Bergman's films to be shot on the island of Fårö, which subsequently became his primary filming location.
• 'Through a Glass Darkly' was inspired by the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:12: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Awards

'Through a Glass Darkly' won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1962, establishing Bergman's standing on the international cinema stage.

Quotes

• "I can't be alone with my anxiety. You don't love me for myself, but for the person you imagine me to be." - Karin
• "Life of your own. You're going to have your own life - independent of me, your father and everything else." - David to Minus

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting soundtrack of 'Through a Glass Darkly' was the work of the celebrated Swedish composer Erik Nordgren, who collaborated with Bergman on multiple films.