I just finished watching "Through a Glass Darkly" by Ingmar Bergman this evening. It left me deep in thought. I suppose that is not a surprise, considering that it is Bergman. I know much has been written on this film. I can only say that it is intimidating to watch a film like this with it's simple setting, cast of 4 people, Bach score and natural lighting and wonder how I can even imagine that I can make films? Not that I have made much in the way of film, a few animated shorts, a few 24 hour film festival tries. Yet, even at 43 I aspire to making films. As I have all my life.
It seems closer then ever, I am currently working on Tannerwolfe.com in exchange for Tanner to shoot a short film for me that I am penciling in for next summer after I finish my latest animated short. After watching this film it's hard to not want to pack it up and quit before I make a fool of myself ( or an even bigger fool). The dialog and the writing is what always hits me when I watch Bergman. He is so deeply involved with the thoughts and motivations of his characters that they live and breath with rich fullness. I want to write like this. Instead, I am sloppy with language. I am much better at thinking in visual context versus the written word. But, I long to be like Bergman and be so focused and alive that my characters have weight. I want to steal and suck the marrow off all these words.
Bergman.
I have to prepare myself to watch "Winters Light". I hope I survive with any of my personal vision left.