autumn sonata [march 28, 2005]

Ingmar Bergman's richly coloured and photographed tale of the simmering rage and discord in the relationship between a successful mother and her daughter makes Khalid Mohammed's deplorable adaptation[sic] Tehzeeb look like fossilized dinosaur droppings seasoned with hippuric acid. That diatribe aside, this film that brought together the two Bergmans is a disturbing tale to watch. Everything transpires without too much ado or fuss, but you can sense the approaching crescendo (it's anti-dramatic edge only augments the brilliance of the film). I had never expected to understand the importance of Chopin in the film, but I am glad I did. It's a sign of progress. And the less said about people like KM who choose lofty films like these to butcher the better.