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Persona is a Swedish psychological drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman and released in 1966. The film explores the complex relationship between two women, a famous actress named Elisabet Vogler and her young nurse named Alma, who is tasked with taking care of her in a remote seaside cottage. The movie, which is widely regarded as one of Bergman's masterpieces, delves into themes of identity, communication, art, and human relationships while utilizing innovative cinematography, surreal imagery, and a hauntingly beautiful score.

The plot of Persona revolves around the actress Elisabet's sudden silence during a performance and her subsequent institutionalization due to what appears to be a nervous breakdown. Alma is assigned to take care of her in a secluded beach cottage as part of her recovery. However, the relationship between the two women quickly becomes strained, with Alma initially feeling neglected and ignored by Elisabet, who refuses to speak or even acknowledge her presence. As the days pass, the two women begin to form a bond, and Alma opens up to Elisabet about her personal life, her insecurities, and her deepest fears.

As the story progresses, the lines between Elisabet and Alma's identities begin to blur, and the two women become increasingly intertwined, both emotionally and physically. The film uses a series of flashbacks, surrealistic imagery, and unexplained events to explore the complex and sometimes unsettling nature of human relationships. Persona also touches on subjects like sexuality, existentialism, and mental illness, resulting in a movie that is haunting, thought-provoking, and emotionally affecting.

Bergman uses a variety of innovative techniques to create a sense of unease and otherworldliness throughout the film. He frequently employs jump-cuts, distorted imagery, and overlapping dialogue to create a sense of disorientation, and the black-and-white photography, muted color palette, and stark lighting add to the film's eerie atmosphere. The score, composed by Lars Johan Werle, is both beautiful and unsettling, utilizing sparse instrumentation to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery.

One of Persona's most notable aspects is the performances of its two leads. Bibi Andersson, who plays Alma, is a revelation, delivering a nuanced and emotionally raw performance that anchors the film. Her character is both vulnerable and volatile, and Andersson portrays her with a deep understanding of her motivations and desires. In contrast, Liv Ullmann, who plays Elisabet, delivers a much quieter and more enigmatic performance. She conveys a powerful sense of inner turmoil and vulnerability without ever speaking a word, relying solely on her expressions and body language to convey her emotions.

Overall, Persona is a deeply philosophical and challenging film that requires active engagement from its viewers. Its exploration of identity, human relationships, and the nature of art is both complex and unsettling, and its innovative techniques and haunting atmosphere make it a true cinematic masterpiece.

Persona is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 46 minutes.