Smultronstället (The Wild Stawberries)

This 91 min movie was my first Ingmar Bergman film - made in a very appropriate black and white setting.  Prior to watching this film I knew little of Bergman, only knew of his recent death, stiff Swedish background, estrangement with his parents and most of all his notoriety in having created contemplative films.  

This film is almost a non-holiday Swedish 'Christmas Carol' story.  The protagonist, Dr. Isak Borg journeys from his home to the University town of Lund University to receive honors for his 50 years in the medical practice.  Throughout the movie, Dr. Borg encounters a variety of dreams and hallucinations which reveal - despite his reputation on paper  - he is an empty man - in need of reform.  The movie leaves questions in ones mind about how Dr.Borg has reached a point of selfish hollow existence - meant for the viewer to fill in the blanks.  In short, the audience can understand that Dr. Borg has achieved internal change by the end of the film.

Overall, the film has spooky undertones, mostly dark music - the only thing I can equate the film mood to - is a 91 minute long Twighlight zone episode.

Coming from watching mostly and many Hollywood films - I find the need to reach some conclusions about this on the surface uneventful movie.  I am a product of my influences - I have concluded that change can happen despite age and one cannot truly be defined by career - rather should be can be defined by relationships with personal relationships in ones life.