If you love movies, you know Ingmar Bergman’s work. Curious about his favourite films? Here’s the list you’ve been waiting for!
Ingmar Bergman, the acclaimed filmmaker, wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts on other directors, often with blunt honesty. He had strong opinions, even about big names like Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles. But when he praised a film, you knew it was genuine. In 1994, Bergman put together a list of his favourite movies for the Goteborg Film Festival. Let’s check out the films he personally loved.
Andrei Tarkovsky is often considered one of the greatest directors, alongside Ingmar Bergman, and they admired each other’s work. Tarkovsky’s film “Andrei Rublev” tells the story of a 15th-century icon painter who finds hope through his art amid turmoil and invasions. Bergman was deeply moved by the film, saying, “Suddenly, I found myself standing at the door of a room the keys of which had, until then, never been given to me. I felt encouraged and stimulated: someone was expressing what I had always wanted to say without knowing how.”
Ingmar Bergman’s films often explore deep and complex themes. One standout example is Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon, which shows the same event from four different viewpoints, making us question what’s true. Bergman admired Kurosawa’s work greatly and even planned to collaborate with him and Fellini, though it didn’t work out. Bergman once said, “Now I want to make it plain that Virgin Spring must be regarded as an aberration. It’s touristic, a lousy imitation of Kurosawa. At that time, my admiration for Japanese cinema was at its height. I was almost a samurai myself!” This quote highlights Bergman’s deep respect and admiration for Kurosawa’s work.
Ingmar Bergman was great at creating strong, complex female characters. Unlike many directors, he gave his actresses like Liv Ullmann, Bibi Andersson, and Ingrid Thulin substantial roles that really stood out. Federico Fellini’s La Strada, featuring Giulietta Masina, tells the story of a woman facing hard times and finding meaning in her struggles. Bergman admired these kinds of deep, emotional stories, and it really influenced his own work.
After Hollywood’s golden era, the film industry faced a downturn as old studio systems gave way to new global voices. Directors like Fellini, Antonioni, Kurosawa, Bresson, and Bergman were pushing cinematic boundaries, making American films feel outdated. Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard captures this shift perfectly. It’s about a former silent film star stuck in the past, isolated and detached from reality. The film reflects Hollywood’s struggle to stay relevant, showing a city clinging to its glory days and stars fading into obscurity. No wonder it made Bergman’s list of favorites!
Victor Sjöström’s silent film had a huge impact on Bergman. Bergman first saw it as a teenager when his dad showed it to his confirmation class. He loved it so much that he bought a copy and watched it every year. The film’s themes of guilt and death really inspired Bergman, especially the grim reaper character. Sjöström later became a mentor and actor in Bergman’s films. Bergman said meeting Sjöström was a big personal moment for him.
You can’t really get a handle on Bergman without knowing his influences! His favourite movie lists are full of classic gems, some you’ll expect and others that might surprise you. If you’re a Bergman fan, watching his top picks is definitely worth it!
