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| SHAME (1968) | |
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Shame (Skammen) is a drama set in a pre-war and war where the film depicts the interpersonal relationship between Eva (Liv Ullman) and Jan (Max von Sydow) and how the present circumstances affect the couple. Jan is a neurotic dreamer who attempts to avoid anything that causes him any level of discomfort. His wife, Eva, is a hopeful realist with dreams about a better future where they both can be happy. Eva is the anchor that secures Jan in their mundane existence on a small farm on a remote island as they have withdrawn from public life. Jan is the reason why they no longer live in an urban area because he does everything within his powers to stay away from people and civilization. The solitude is wearing on Eva, which emerges every now and then in the shape of irritation. However, Eva expresses her deep love for Jan by hiding her irritation and instead focuses on the happy moments that they have. Eva and Jan are aware of the imminent threat of war as their neighbors inform them occasionally, but when the war breaks out they are not prepared for its brutality as it tears them apart. They both realize that they distance themselves from each other as their characters slowly change. Bergman personifies the rift that develops between couples as they emotionally part during a phase when change comes from dramatic situations. The subtlety in which the confrontation between Eva and Jan is illustrated in is an example of Bergman's refined skills as a storyteller as he places them in a war where the couple does not wage war against each other. Shame offers a painfully cinematic experience, however, this is Bergman's intentions as he brings another brilliant event to the audience. |
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| REVIEWED | |
| 2/16/2004 | |
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The Internet Movie Database. |
