Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site houxu.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!ihnp4!houxm!houxu!welsch From: welsch@houxu.UUCP (Larry Welsch) Newsgroups: net.movies Subject: Fanny and Alexander Message-ID: <325@houxu.UUCP> Date: Sat, 25-Feb-84 10:32:35 EST Article-I.D.: houxu.325 Posted: Sat Feb 25 10:32:35 1984 Date-Received: Sun, 26-Feb-84 00:56:33 EST Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ Lines: 30 (To the eater of first lines) I saw Fanny and Alexander last night. The film is in my don't miss category. The film is long and there is not a whole lot of plot, yet it is so rich in photography, imagery, mysticism, contrasts and life, all beautifully directed that one wonders how Bergman packed it into 3 hours. The film, while focussed on Alexander, is about the Eckland family, whose oppulent, though loving lifestyle borders on the decadent. For example we have Uncle Carl, who shows the children some "fire works" by dropping his pants, running up and down the stairs to get some gas, and then blowing the lowdest farts that he can. The kids love it. The oppulence is contrasted against the starkness of the Bishop, who believes love can be demanded, that truth may be gotten by beating, and that deprivation is holy. And then we have Ishmael, who must be kept locked up, because he flows through all of us and though loved, must be kept under control lest he loose a pandora's box from within. The photography is beautiful. Bergman captures the joy of life. Yet it is the simples joys; an old woman with her old lover who will never marry, yet enjoy each other's company; the amours of a middle aged satyr, whose wife loves him including his cocksmanship despite his wandering lusts. She even loves and cares for his mistress, who receives a Christmas box. If you enjoy film, then see Fanny and Alexander. Larry Welsch houxu!welsch