Persona, Bergman (1966)

Persona, Bergman (1966)
Due may, 10,  8am
2-3 pgs doublespaced
Choose one topic from below. Narrow your discussion, discuss only one aspect of the film. Go into detail.
 
1. One of the central themes in the film is two characters merging into one. Discuss some of the ways in which Bergman addresses this theme. (Consider the title, the ‘split psyche’, duality, neurosis, dreams, fantasies and the ‘Psychic Vampire’)
 
2. There are many references to a self reflexive cinema in this film. Some are overt, step outside of the film and ‘break the fourth wall,’ others are more subtle and incorporated into the narrative. Discuss how Bergman is commenting on the process of making a film.
 
3. Discuss the use of figurative imagery in the film. This may include the abstract, ‘symbolic’ images found in the opening montage of the film. Or may be metaphors found in the narrative, such as the piece of glass Elizabeth steps on.
 
4. Persona is a film that expresses a uniquely personal view and is considered to be a  hallmark of the Auteur. Discuss a few of the ways Bergman is using this film as a means of artistic expression. 
 
5. One theme in the film is the expression and or repression of sexual energy. Discuss the use of sexual and homo erotic imagery in the film This may include uses of mise en scene, narrative passages, subtext or unconscious desires of a character.
 
 
Links:
http://www.ingmarbergmanfoundation.com/
Navigate to: English-Productions-Film and TV Show All-Persona
 
catdir.loc.gov/catdir/samples/cam032/99010290
Cut and paste into browser, automatically downloads PDF
 
Susan Sontag on Persona
thomas-hersey.wiki.uml.edu/file/view/Sontag+on+Persona