Tomas Alfredson Stands by Decision to Turn Bergman-Penned ‘Faithless’ into Series: ‘It Would Be Different If I Remade ‘The Seventh Seal’

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of cinema, I must say that Tomas Alfredson‘s approach to Bergman’s “Faithless” is nothing short of captivating. His ability to reinterpret Bergman’s work while staying true to its essence is a testament to his skill as a director.

Some argue that one shouldn’t interfere with anything associated with Ingmar Bergman, but Tomas Alfredson is not among those who adhere to this belief.

Bergman wasn’t always a genius, but much of his work was,” he said to EbMaster. The Swedish director is responsible for the upcoming series “Faithless,” set to debut in Toronto. This series is based on the 2000 film directed by Liv Ullman and penned by Bergman himself.

This is his most personal piece of work to date. He began drafting it multiple times but struggled to complete it due to feelings of guilt. I felt compelled to approach this subject matter in a unique way. If I were to recreate ‘The Seventh Seal’ or ‘Fanny and Alexander,’ it would be different, but for this project, I saw an opportunity for a fresh interpretation.

Acclaimed director Alfonso Cuaron, known for movies like “Let the Right One In” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” emphasizes that his new series deviates significantly from its original source material. Despite this, actress Lena Endre reprises her role as Marianne, a character haunted by past affairs.

Initially, the character Marianne is portrayed as deceased. In the series, she appears as a spirit to David, essentially a product of his imagination. However, our intention was for her to be an independent individual, not merely a creation,” Sara Johnsen clarifies, being the writer behind this production.

Marianne attempted suicide, but luckily lived on. Their meeting was fated, although it brought about a significant shift. Additionally, we’re introducing a character named Isabelle, whose life is dramatically affected by these events.

‘Faithless’ was created by Miso Film Sweden (a subsidiary of Fremantle), in collaboration with SVT, Arte, DR, NRK, YLE, RUV, and Nordisk Film & TV Fond. This project received backing from these entities, and Fremantle is responsible for handling worldwide distribution.

In this production, Frida Gustavsson and August Wittgenstein portray Marianne and her husband Markus, respectively. Meanwhile, Gustav Lindh and Jesper Christensen assume the roles of David, a close friend of Markus. The series, consisting of six episodes, offers Alfredson ample time to explore various perspectives throughout the storyline.

The original length is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which seems quite long for a single feature. However, when you consider all the events that unfold within it, it feels surprisingly brief. In essence, this work encompasses the equivalent of three full features, providing ample opportunity to switch between different perspectives.

At times, it can be challenging to follow the decisions made by his characters, since love and desire often seem illogical.

Indeed, that resonates with me. Reflecting on my own life, I remember instances where I found myself falling in love or experiencing attraction without a clear explanation. It’s just something that happens spontaneously. This initial spark, this ignition? It feels so serendipitous. He suggests that “Faithless” is about such intense emotions, passion.

The production in this series involves creating a film with an erotic theme. However, it’s challenging to depict such content visually. It’s similar to showing food to stimulate hunger; sexuality is complex and requires sensitivity to portray authentically, rather than using the actors’ bodies merely to arouse the audience.

He mentions that while there’s a lot we know, there’s still much left unknown. He admits it can be awkward and challenging, but he suggests giving it a try anyway.

As a cinephile, I find myself in a peculiar predicament, much like Marianne, Markus, and David. Despite our proximity, our dynamics seem to be more complex than ever. It’s as if Ingmar Bergman penned our tale in an era long past, yet the struggles we face appear strikingly contemporary. Some aspects of human interaction, it seems, remain stubbornly unchanged over time.

When you awaken with these emotions, it appears as though you’re on the right path – even if your actions lead to hurting those you deceive. This idea remains significant. It’s worth pondering over the conventional structure of a family and its expectations. However, this series revolves around individuals betraying one another. And we are consistently intrigued by such acts of betrayal.

Especially if the person who lets you down is a friend.

Alfredson agrees with me on that point. I find it hard to forget those experiences, don’t you? For the moment, he’s taken a break from television, but he admires its capabilities today, something he feels cinema lacks.

The situation fluctuates. On some occasions, television has been quite revolutionary and progressive, while movies were more suitable for children with characters in leotards and superheroes from space. It’s preposterous. The equilibrium has shifted because adult dramas are scarce these days. People can’t afford them,” he emphasizes.

As a movie aficionado, I must confess that crafting series such as this one leaves me utterly drained. Frankly, the thought of repeating such an endeavor may cross my mind, but then I remember my upcoming role in a stage play, which offers a unique sense of liberation. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek out opportunities that provide creative freedom.

2024-09-07 12:17

Tomas Alfredson Stands by Decision to Turn Bergman-Penned ‘Faithless’ into Series: ‘It Would Be Different If I Remade ‘The Seventh Seal’

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