Stellan Skarsgård Reflects on Ingmar Bergman: A Profound Connection Shared

Stellan Skarsgård Slams Ingmar Bergman: “Manipulative,” “Nazi Sympathizer“

Actor Stellan Skarsgård has publicly voiced his deep-seated disdain for the late Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, describing him as a “manipulative” and morally compromised figure. Skarsgård, whose latest film “Sentimental value” premiered to acclaim, shared his negative experiences working with Bergman on a 1986 stage production of “A Dream Play.”

“Bergman was manipulative,” the 74-year-old Swedish actor stated, as reported by Variety. “He was a Nazi during the war and the only person I know who cried when Hitler died.” Skarsgård elaborated on his perception of Bergman’s character, suggesting a disturbing worldview: “We kept excusing him, but I have a feeling he had a very weird outlook on other people. [He thought] some people were not worthy. You felt it,when he was manipulating others. He wasn’t nice.”

Bergman,who passed away in 2007,had previously spoken candidly about his youthful leanings towards Nazism,a sentiment shaped by his upbringing in a right-wing Swedish family. In a 1999 interview with Maria-Pia boëthius, author of a book examining Swedish wartime neutrality, Bergman recounted attending a nazi rally in Germany at age 16. He described Hitler as “unbelievably charismatic.he electrified the crowd.”

The book also details how Bergman’s family placed a photograph of Hitler by his bed, as the young Bergman found the nazism he witnessed to be “fun and youthful.” The publication further reveals that Bergman’s brother and friends vandalized a Jewish neighbor’s home with swastikas, and that Bergman himself admitted to being “too timid” to object.Bergman addressed his past Nazi sympathies in his 1987 memoir, “The Magic Lantern,” stating: “For many years, I was on Hitler’s side, delighted by his success and saddened by his defeats.” He told boëthius he maintained his support for the Nazis until the end of the war,when the revelation of the Holocaust’s atrocities forced a reckoning.”When the doors to the concentration camps were thrown open,” he said, “I was suddenly ripped of my innocence.” Bergman later explored themes of wartime anguish in films such as “Winter Light,” “The Silence,” and “Shame.”

This is not the first time Skarsgård has been vocal about his negative assessment of Bergman. In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, Skarsgård expressed a similar sentiment: “I didn’t want him near my life.” He further characterized their relationship: “My complicated relationship with Bergman has to do with him not being a very nice guy. he was a nice director, but you can still denounce a person as an asshole. Caravaggio was problably an asshole as well, but he did great paintings.”

“Sentimental Value,” Skarsgård’s latest project, has garnered significant praise and is reportedly being considered for awards.

How did the challenging production of *The Serpent’s Egg* ultimately shape Stellan Skarsgård’s approach to acting?

The Early Encounters: A Young Actor’s Immersion

Stellan Skarsgård’s career,spanning decades and encompassing iconic roles in films like Good Will Hunting,Pirates of the Caribbean,and Chernobyl,is deeply rooted in the Swedish cinematic tradition – a tradition largely defined by Ingmar Bergman. Skarsgård’s initial exposure to Bergman wasn’t through direct collaboration, but through the pervasive influence the director held over the Swedish acting landscape. He grew up absorbing Bergman’s films, a crucial part of any aspiring Swedish actor’s education.

This early immersion wasn’t simply about watching movies; it was about understanding a specific approach to performance. Bergman demanded a raw honesty, a psychological depth that resonated with Skarsgård even before he had the chance to work with the master himself. The impact of Bergman’s style on Scandinavian acting is undeniable, influencing generations of performers.

The serpent’s Egg and the Weight of Bergman’s Gaze

skarsgård’s first direct experience working with Ingmar Bergman came with 1977’s The Serpent’s Egg ( Ormens ägg). This was a particularly challenging production, plagued by difficulties and ultimately considered a less successful film in Bergman’s oeuvre. However, for Skarsgård, it was a formative experience.

The film’s complex themes – faith, doubt, and the fragility of the human psyche – mirrored the intellectual and emotional rigor Skarsgård would come to be known for.

Working alongside Liv Ullmann and Gunnar Björnstrand,seasoned Bergman collaborators,provided invaluable insight into the director’s methods.

Skarsgård has spoken about the intense pressure of performing under Bergman’s scrutiny, describing it as both terrifying and exhilarating. He learned to embrace vulnerability and to trust in the power of subtext.

Bergman’s Directorial Style: A Masterclass in Performance

What specifically made working with bergman so unique? Skarsgård has consistently highlighted several key aspects of the director’s approach:

Rehearsal Intensive: Bergman was renowned for extensive rehearsals, often delving deep into the characters’ backstories and motivations. This wasn’t simply about blocking scenes; it was about uncovering the emotional truth of the narrative.

Psychological Exploration: Bergman wasn’t interested in superficial performances.He pushed actors to confront their own vulnerabilities and to explore the darker aspects of the human condition. This focus on psychological realism is a hallmark of his work.

Minimalist Direction: Paradoxically, despite the intense preparation, Bergman frequently enough gave actors very little specific direction during filming. He preferred to create an atmosphere of trust and allow the actors to inhabit their roles fully.

Emphasis on Silence: Bergman understood the power of silence and often used it to create tension and to allow the audience to contemplate the characters’ inner lives. Skarsgård learned to be cozy with pauses and to communicate through subtle gestures and expressions.

Beyond The Serpent’s Egg: A Lasting Influence on Skarsgård’s Career

While The Serpent’s Egg remains Skarsgård’s sole direct collaboration with Bergman, the director’s influence permeates his entire body of work.

Character Depth: Skarsgård consistently chooses roles that allow him to explore complex, morally ambiguous characters. This is a direct reflection of Bergman’s preference for nuanced portrayals.

Commitment to Realism: Whether playing a ruthless pirate, a dedicated scientist, or a conflicted government official, Skarsgård brings a level of authenticity and psychological depth to his performances that is reminiscent of Bergman’s actors.

**W