The Essential Films of Ingrid Bergman

Santas (The Essential Films of Humphrey Bogart) and Wilson (The Encyclopedia of Epic Films) present a detailed and informative tribute to Bergman’s career. The book opens with a brief biographical note; each of the subsequent 21 chapters reviews a film, giving a star rating and production backstory followed by a plot summary and thematic analysis. The reviews situate the films in Bergman’s life, discussing, for example, how public outcry over Bergman leaving her first husband and her young daughter for director Roberto Rossellini doomed one of her most ambitious projects, Joan of Arc, to box office failure. The text is rife with illuminating details about her feelings about her roles; for instance, she was vehement about securing the lead in the period thriller Gaslight, which led to Bergman winning her first Oscar. Each review is filled with glowing praise for Bergman’s work, from the emotions conveyed by her carefully controlled body language in Gaslight to her “deeply respectful portrayal” of Golda Meir in her last role, on the TV miniseries A Woman Called Golda. More than a critical study, this is a love letter to Bergman’s accomplishments as an artist, and will be a delightful addition to any classic film lover’s library. [em](Sept.) [/em]