Bergman Island

"It is understandable to have reservations before watching 'Bergman Island'. After all, putting a name like that of filmmaker Ingmar Bergman in the title is something few do and, whether we like it or not, it already shows some pretension. However, what a pleasant surprise: the feature film is a great success. Directed by the talented Mia Hansen-Løve (from 'Things to Come'), 'Bergman Island' tells the story of a couple of filmmakers (Vicky Krieps and Tim Roth) who go to the island of Faro, where Bergman lived, to find some peace and inspiration. The idea of the two is to leave with some script ideas so that they can command new films in the following years. However, while they are there in settings reminiscent of films like 'Scenes from a Marriage', more things are born, emerging, transforming either in the relationship between the two or in the way of facing life, work, and cinema. With Krieps and Roth's top-notch work, who manage to interpret this vital energy in transformation, we easily embark on the plot. The most interesting thing about 'Bergman Island', however, is the metalinguistic way in which Hansen-Løve approaches Chris and Tony's relationship with cinema. Here, the main focus of the feature is to identify, develop and delve into the way cinema influences our lives and vice versa. Vicky is influenced by Bergman. Then her cinema influences third parties. Even influencing us, on the other side of the screen."