Liv & Ingmar (2012)

Liv Ullmann: Self

Photos 

Quotes 

• Liv Ullmann : I was lonely; but, that loneliness belonged to me. It was nothing he created. Nobody creates your loneliness. Nobody creates that darkness you have in your tummy. You know, because, we all have that. Its how we deal with it - that's - what makes the difference.

• Liv Ullmann, Self : The first time I met Ingmar, as shy as I was and as afraid as I was, I just also felt this familiarity. And he was so much older than me, you know. I was 25 then and he was 46. He was not only this incredible, incredible creative person, but, I remember each morning when he came, I just started to cry because I was so overwhelmed and, certainly I wasn't overwhelmed any more, I was so much - in love.

• Liv Ullmann, Self : I sought the absolute security, protection, a great need to belong. He sought the mother. Arms that would open to him, warm and without complications. Perhaps our love originated in the loneliness we both had known before.

• Liv Ullmann : He let go - and that's a good lesson to learn in life. Let go. Don't grow into a bitter and "what if" and "what if I had done this". Never, never. Let go.

• Liv Ullmann, Self : I have so many memories on an island. Almost 50 years of memories. I acted there. I directed there. My best friendships were grounded there. And for a time it was home, as well. It has been such an incredible part of my life. And I met Ingmar there. He changed my life.

• Liv Ullmann, Self : The first summer was pure happiness. We were making "Persona" on the island. It was hot. I was experiencing another human being. He was experiencing me. And we didn't need to talk about it.

• Liv Ullmann, Self : When I saw him sitting there by the camera and looking at me, I knew he had recognized me. And deep down I thought, yeah, if I'm really recognized, I'm worth - loving.

• Liv Ullmann, Self : I was barefoot in the sands, so fine it felt as if it breathed beneath my feet. I never wondered what might come of our relationship. It was as if I were living within soft walls of sunlight and desire and happiness.

• Liv Ullmann : In a way, each seeded a revolution in the other. We opened to each other so completely. Not only physically. Not only sexually. But, like human beings related in a secret way. We bound ourselves together.

• Liv Ullmann : Many, many years ago I wrote him a little note. And today I found out that he had kept it in his Teddy Bear. "Käraste Pingmar" I used to call him Pingmar. "Dearest Pingmar" And I'll say it in English. "Not many people can experience what my meeting with you gave me here in life. It is 35 years since we sat here." Actually here. "And you said to me, 'We are painfully connected.' Yes, such a connection is full of grace. Thank you. Your Liv. - - I am so enormously fond of you." And then a little heart.

• Liv Ullmann : I've been traveling the world and I've done a lot. I've done a lot - really without Ingmar. But, you know, we always end up talking about Ingmar and they ask me about that. And sometimes I get very - a little tired - do I always have to talk about - Ingmar. And then I told him this also on the phone. You know, I love it. I'm so proud of it and everything. They always, you know, and "How was it to work with Ingmar Bergman?" and - then he says, "It has to do with you too. Because, don't you know Liv, you are my Stradivarius." And I think that's the best compliment - I *ever* got. - - That has to do with our working relationship and our friendship. Can you imagine being someone's Stradivarius? Especially if it's Ingmar.

• Liv Ullmann : You know, sometimes you miss and you don't even know - how much.