Not your average light afternoon viewing, then again 'light' is not a word you ever really acquaint with Bergman. Cries and Whispers centers around a family of three sisters. One of which is suffering from a serious illness, the maid and other sisters take shifts to watch over her. And that is basically the main plot. Of course there are other dramas and flashbacks that all occur at some point or another in the repressed household.
The opening scene was especially pleasing, early morning light streaming through the words (very evocative of a Tarkovsky Polaroid) the camera moves into the household where symbolic clocks chime.
The red walls contrast against the pure white of the sisters full length dresses. An ending scene would fittingly fade to red. A close up and confrontation of each character also washed in red, appear throughout, quiet whispering voice overs adding a sinister yet powerful element.
The emphasis on red, blood, the family are all very like Lorca and the more I think about the film the more it stands out for me. Of course I am no Phillip French and one person's views differ to the next but that is unavoidable. Or rather interesting; how different elements stand out more for one person along with their own interpretations.
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