Watch Bergman: A Year in a Life

Bergman: A Year in a Life is a documentary-style film by Jane Magnusson that takes a deep dive into Ingmar Bergman's life during the year 1957, which was a turning point in the filmmaker's career. The film features interviews with people who knew Bergman well, as well as extensive archival footage of the filmmaker himself. Throughout the film, Magnusson explores Bergman's creative process and his struggle to balance his personal life with his rapidly-growing success as a director. The film opens with Bergman's return to work after a months-long hiatus following the premiere of his film The Seventh Seal, which had garnered worldwide acclaim. Despite the success of his last film, Bergman was struggling with writer's block and issues in his personal life.

Magnusson delves into Bergman's inspirations during this period, including his passions for literature, religion, and philosophy. We see glimpses of this through the films that he was working on at the time, including Brink of Life, Wild Strawberries, and The Magician. Each of these films explores themes of mortality, identity, and existentialism - issues that were at the forefront of Bergman's mind throughout this period.

The film also explores Bergman's personal life during this time, including his relationships with three different women. Most notably, we see Bergman's tumultuous relationship with his wife Gun, and the impact that it had on his work as a director. Through interviews with Gun's daughter and Bergman's son, we learn about the effects that this intense period had on their respective families.

Throughout the film, Magnusson uses rare archival footage to give us a view into Bergman's world during this time. We see him working with actors on set, navigating the complex demands of filmmaking, and grappling with the enormity of his own success. We also hear from artists and intellectuals who were influenced by Bergman's work, including Woody Allen, Lars von Trier, and Pernilla August.

One of the most captivating elements of Bergman: A Year in a Life is the sense of intimacy that is conveyed through the film. Magnusson has a deep understanding of Bergman's creative process and is able to convey this in a way that feels both authentic and accessible. The film takes us on a journey through Bergman's mind, exploring the many questions and contradictions that he was grappling with during this time.

Ultimately, Bergman: A Year in a Life is a moving and engrossing look at one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. It's a film that will appeal to anyone interested in the creative process, as well as those who are passionate about the art of cinema. By the end of the film, we are left with a profound sense of empathy and admiration for Ingmar Bergman and his work.

Bergman: A Year in a Life is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 117 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.