Making of Fanny and Alexander, The (1986)
**** (out of 4)
Four years after Fanny and Alexander was released, director Bergman released this documentary that gives us a behind the scenes look at how the legendary master put together his (at the time) last masterpiece. I think this documentary could rank right up there with Bergman's greatest pictures because it features a lot of the stuff that his movies are so well known for. Watching how Bergman films certain scenes, like the pillow fight, where he goes back and forth on what he wants. In this scene he's debating whether the children should be wearing slippers or not. He decides they shouldn't be but then he worried about one of the kids slipping and hurting themselves. We also get to see more difficult scenes like the dying scene in the movie where he must direct twelve of the actors for a very hard shot. What's even more special are the scenes where Bergman is taking it easy and just chatting with the cast and crew. It's also great fun watching the master discuss shots with (the other master) Sven Nkvist. You can see how hard working both men are and it's rather amazing that neither killed the other. If you're a fan of Fanny and Alexander than this is a must see. If you're simply interested in how movies are made then this is one of the best documentaries out there.
**** (out of 4)
Four years after Fanny and Alexander was released, director Bergman released this documentary that gives us a behind the scenes look at how the legendary master put together his (at the time) last masterpiece. I think this documentary could rank right up there with Bergman's greatest pictures because it features a lot of the stuff that his movies are so well known for. Watching how Bergman films certain scenes, like the pillow fight, where he goes back and forth on what he wants. In this scene he's debating whether the children should be wearing slippers or not. He decides they shouldn't be but then he worried about one of the kids slipping and hurting themselves. We also get to see more difficult scenes like the dying scene in the movie where he must direct twelve of the actors for a very hard shot. What's even more special are the scenes where Bergman is taking it easy and just chatting with the cast and crew. It's also great fun watching the master discuss shots with (the other master) Sven Nkvist. You can see how hard working both men are and it's rather amazing that neither killed the other. If you're a fan of Fanny and Alexander than this is a must see. If you're simply interested in how movies are made then this is one of the best documentaries out there.