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Ingmar Bergman interview

21 avril 1959
03m 01s
Ref. 00008

Information

Summary :

Ingmar Bergman answers André Parinaud's questions on the theatre and film directors he admires, the French plays he'd like to stage, the differences between directing plays and films and the despair that haunts his earliest films.

Media type :
Vidéo
Broadcast date :
21 avril 1959
Source :
ORTF (Collection: JT NUIT )
Personnalité(s) :
Ingmar Bergman / André Parinaud
Themes :
Places :

Context

Known in France for his 1950s films (Eternal Mirage, Smiles of a Summer Night, The Seventh Seal and Brink of Life were presented in competition at the Cannes Festival), Sweden's Ingmar Bergman (1918-2007) started his career as a screenwriter 10 years before becoming a filmmaker, which he remained until the 2000s.

Malmö's theatre director from 1953 to 1960, and also Stockholm's theatre director thereafter, he staged The People of Värmland there in 1958, an emotional reminder of his childhood Christmases. This quality Romeo and Juliette signed by Fredrik August Dahlgren tells the story of the destinies of two peasant families, one rich, one poor. In 1959, Bergman comes to France to present this "saga", with a troupe of actors that are somewhat familiar to film buffs since they include Bibi Andersson, Max von Sydow and Gunnel Lindblom.

When asked about his tastes as far as French theatre is concerned, he reminds us that he staged Molière (The Misanthrope), Albert Camus (Caligula) and even Jean Anouilh (Medea). Even if there's a clear line between his stage directing activities (his work) and his film-making (his passion), he sums up his quest in both domains: "Telling the truth about the human condition".

Charlotte Garson

Transcription

André Parinaud
Welcome Ingmar Bergman, and forgive us for picking the hectic atmosphere of an aerodrome, the bar in an aerodrome to speak with you and ask you a few serious questions. Ingmar Bergman, first of all I'd like you to tell us, since you're above all a theatre director, who are the directors you like in this world, that you prefer over all others and who inspire you.
Ingmar Bergman
When I was a young man, I saw the French films and I admired Duvivier, Carné, immensely, René Clément, naturally.
André Parinaud
Here, you're citing film directors, but amongst directors... the big theatre directors?
Ingmar Bergman
In Sweden, we have a long tradition of directors, and two Swedish directors are my masters. They are Molander et [Schubary].
André Parinaud
You have staged two famous French authors: a classic one, Molière and a modern one, Jean Anouilh. But who are the other French authors, the other French plays that you would also like to stage?
Ingmar Bergman
Camus and Ionesco.
André Parinaud
Which play of Camus and which play of Ionesco?
Ingmar Bergman
It's very difficult to say right now. But I do Calligula and Ionesco, I don't know the French names of these plays.
André Parinaud
Ionesco's The Chairs, perhaps?
Ingmar Bergman
Yes, The Chairs, yes.
André Parinaud
Is there a big difference for you between directing theatre and directing films?
Ingmar Bergman
Yes, there's a big difference. I love directing theatre. It's a profession. It's my profession and it's necessary for me. As for directing films, it's my passion.
André Parinaud
Your passion, your great pleasure. I would like to ask you one final question. Sweden is one of Europe's most advanced countries, socially and economically, yet most of your films, especially your first films, are full of bitterness, despair and even cruelty. How did Swedish happiness inspire these feelings?
Ingmar Bergman
I only seek to speak the truth about human condition.
André Parinaud
Well, we're now impatiently waiting for your saga. See you soon. We will applaud you.
Ingmar Bergman
Thank you sir.