In re-watching all the Bergman films, this one was a bit more elusive. There are so many secrets here with layer upon layer put over them. Then we have the subplot of the animal torturer and killer on the island. Probably most interesting beyond the story itself is a quick analysis of each character by each of the actors who leaves his or her role for a moment. They discuss how they view their people with a great deal of depth and insight. I wonder if they were prompted or it was extemporaneous. I would guess the latter. As with most Bergman characters, the people are doomed to their suffering and offer little comfort because they are so full of angst themselves. The living Andreas is a complex bundle of nerves. If he hadn't seen the animal killer and rescued the dog, I might have seen him as unbalanced enough to do these things, himself. Of course, the story never makes point, but the thought occurred to me. Anna is a royal mess but is able to keep her composure with those tight lips and that half smile. Pushed, she becomes a powder keg. As is usually the case, their personal problems are never solved and we wonder what the next frame in the film will be. It's quite a thoughtful and frightening film.
Review of The Passion of Anna
