Bergman yesterday and Today Antonioni
To be honest, I have not seen as much of either of their works that I should. Part of the issues behind living in a disposable world of the great ole US of A is that it looks down upon great cinema. However it is easy to say that both have made lasting impressions in their professions.
For me, Fanny and Alexander was the best of Bergman. For those of you that have not seen this film I would highly recommend you picking up the full 5 hour Criterion Collection version and not the 3 hour version that cuts out, well, 40% of the film.
For Antonioni, the most popular film of his has to be Blow Up, the 60’s artsy thriller with enough weird cameo appearances such as the Yardbirds to Jane Birkin to fill your brain with. The movie is dated somewhat, however I must suggest that I find how the word “Dated” is used. If you make a period piece, isn’t that dated too? But making important films in the present can feel odd when the cultural behaviors are represented poorly. I, however, find that more realistic rather than dated. The movie became popularized because of its sex scenes that in todays standards are somewhat dull and boring. It is still a fascinating film that leaves you with more questions than answers.