Ingmar Bergman dies

[gagged_Louise]

So this morning brought a piece of news film fans around the world have been expecting and putting off for years: Ingmar Bergman, 89, has passed on, four years after writing and directing his final movie, Saraband.

I'm a longtime Bergman fan, and don't feel much need now to bring out at length what a great moviemaker the man was, it's kind of an open goal - a guy who managed to put Death on the silver screen in a way that makes us accept that you can play chess with him (The Seventh Seal), who could describe the magic and terror of childhood, the burden of separation and the sadistic power of jealousy (Fanny and Alexander) and who is even said to have inspired Dallas by the ruthless and comic interplay of Scenes from a Marriage doesn't need much more extra showers of praise.

What some may have missed out on: he could be a fabulously funny director. He began his career doing comedies and romance movies and that element nearly always stayed around even in the most serious and dark flicks he put out. In interviews he would be riveting, serious and outrageously fun all intertwined (the interview book Bergman on Bergman is a great read, as is his autobiography The Magic Lantern).

R I P, Ingmar; your films will remain a part of the movie heritage for ever.

[Pertez]

R.I.P

[Logic1]

Well it was kinda expected since he was old and sick, but nevertheless sad.

[Clevernick]

My swedish babe commented that he finally lost that chess game.

[Logic1]

he sure did. We all do in the end
hope he didnt have much pain before he passed on.

[Rhabbi]

The world of film has lost a voice that will often be imitated, but never duplicated.

[Clevernick]

Two such voices, sad to say, Rhabbi!

Antonioni died yesterday too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo_Antonioni

[Logic1]

I actually liked Antonini better than Bergman.
yeah one sad day for film lovers and others.

[Sir_Russell]

Not sure that I would call him a genius since the word is over used, but we will miss him.