Sawdust and Tinsel

Although poorly received upon its initial release in 1953, Sawdust and Tinsel is now recognized as the finest of Ingmar Bergman's early films, coming just a few years before he burst onto the global film scene with such Swedish art-house classics as Smiles of a Summer Night, The Seventh Seal, and Wild Strawberries. Already, Bergman was establishing the themes and motifs that would dominate his films for decades: the battle of the sexes, the looming presence of death, the burden of a godless universe, and—most emphatically in the case of Sawdust and Tinsel—the communal experience of theater. The film is primarily focused on the turbulent relationship between the boisterous proprietor of a turn-of-the-century traveling circus (Åke Grönberg) and his performer girlfriend (played by Bergman's then-mistress Harriet Andersson), arriving at a rural village for their latest engagement. As Bergman deftly introduces the rest of the troupe, the various members engage in sexual power-plays in a drama that incorporates expressionistic techniques and dreamlike detours to intensify the emotions on display. Bergman's first true masterpiece (and his first collaboration with legendary cinematographer Sven Nykvist), Criterion's release of Sawdust and Tinsel features a brilliant high-definition restoration, and DVD extras including a scholarly commentary by Bergman expert Peter Cowie, a video introduction by Bergman from 2003, and a booklet (with an essay by critic John Simon and an appreciation of Bergman by filmmaker Catherine Breillat). Recommended. (J. Shannon) [Blu-ray Review—Jan. 1, 2019—Criterion, 92 min., in Swedish w/English subtitles, not rated, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its debut on Blu-ray, 1953’s Sawdust and Tinsel features a great transfer with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary from 2007 by Ingmar Bergman scholar Peter Cowie, a 2003 introduction by Bergman (3 min.), and a booklet featuring an essay by critic John Simon. Bottom line: this early Bergman classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]