For my final research paper, I have chosen to discuss the work of director Ingmar Bergman. The Swedish director became known as an auteur through his existential films, like the Seventh Seal (1957), Persona(1966), and Wild Strawberries(1957). Bergman comes from the same era of art house cinema similar to that of Michelangelo Antonioni the director of Blow-up (1966). However, unlike the narrative of Blow-up, Bergman’s style explores characters through philosophical themes of mortality and identity unlike any other director discussed throughout the semester. Furthermore, Bergman does not shy away as a writer and uses dialogue as a tool to enhance story. Historically, Bergman has influenced directors like Woody Allen.

In my paper I will examine Bergman’s films and how unique he revealed the human condition to audiences. Bergman elevated the level of film to tell a story as good as a play. I plan to incorporate directors who have been influenced by Bergman and his films. I also plan to learn what encouraged Bergman to tell stories of such philosophical importance. The foreign director reached critical acclaim through his unique screenplays.  Bergman incorporated Hollywood narrative tools like voice over to emphasize the existential issues people face. Similar to another director studied this semester known as Rainer Fassbinder who utilized melodrama, Bergman does the same. Bergman dramatizes the lives of his characters with burning questions about the nature of life. Further, Bergman created his own genre of movies that includes any audience from any time period.  Lastly, Bergman acknowledged a time of self reflection needed in film.