In five introductory essays, Marion Löhndorf illuminates Bergman’s great themes: »search«, »artist«, »faith« and »relationships«, as well as the close entwinement between his »life and work«. Contemporary reviews document the diversity and vitality of the Swedish, German and English-language reception accorded this remarkable director and thus the enormous impact of an œuvre in which Ingmar Bergman repeatedly fell back on a seasoned team of artists and technicians. The principle of continuity also played a major role in his choice of subject matter. One can, therefore, also view Bergman’s œuvre as an integrated project: as a unique cinematic tapestry composed of self-referential quotes, reflections and inversions – »of motifs and hidden cross-references that are consciously repeated« (Löhndorf). The book also contains a comprehensive filmography, as well as rare film stills and behind-the-scenes photos.
