Sawdust and Tinsel - Criterion Collection (1956)

"I want out of the circus!"

Even in interviews years after "Sawdust and Tinsel" appeared, it's clear that Bergman was still irked by the charge that his film was "vomit." But in a certain way, this comment by a film critic is a vindication of the movie, because in it Bergman is exploring a vision of life that is anything but comforting. Each time I watch this magnificent little film, I'm reminded of Sartre's "No Exit." We're trapped in life, and that's all there is to it. It's entirely appropriate that our reaction to the film should be negative. The challenge is to not confuse our response to the film's theme with an aesthetic evaluation of it.

The film's central metaphor for our existential entrapment is the tawdry circus run by the central character, Albert (Ake Groenberg), a middle-aged man beginning to feel the weight of his mortality. Involved with Anne (Harriet Andersson), a woman half his age, he's worried about his ability to keep her interested, just as she's worried about being deserted by him. A large subtext in the film is the crisis their relationship undergoes, but that crisis--and the relationship itself--must be understood in terms of the alienating existence that humans endure. "We're all stuck in hell. Stuck in hell... I want out of the circus!" as Albert moans.

Yet, typical of Bergman, there's some small consolation. At the end of the film, Albert and Anne return to one another. The circus-entrapment continues. The tawdry troop hitches up its wagons and moves on to another town, as it apparently always will. And Anne and Albert realize that their relationship is built on fear and loneliness as much as love. Like everything else, it's sawdust and tinsel. But in this circus we call life, that's no small thing.

Very good performances throughout the film, particularly by Ake Groenberg. The lighting is magnificent, and bears all the characteristics of later Bergman/Nyqvist collaborations. August 8, 2008

an early Bergman classic.

This review is for the Criterion DVD edition of the film.

Sawdust and Tinsel released in Sweden as "Gycklarnas afton" is about the owner of a travelling circus and his girlfriend.

The film has been described by Criterion as a battle of the sexes film. This could be considered an understatement. This also led to the censors cutting five minutes from the film for the American release. These scenes are included here for the first time in the United States.

The DVD includes two special features. A 2003 introduction to the film by director Ingmar Bergman, and audio commentary by Peter Cowie.

This is mediocre when compared to the later Bergman films but still is one that should be seen. March 9, 2008

INGMAR BERGMAN, OPUS 13

**** 1953. Written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. A land circus owner comes back to the town he left his wife and his children in, three years before. Criterion presents here the uncut version of this film with scenes absent from the VHS and laserdisc editions of SAWDUST AND TINSEL. Among the bonus features, you'll find an introduction by Ingmar Bergman himself, shot in 2003, as well as a very edifying commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie. The theme of humiliation, sexual, physical or simply psychological, is the main theme of SAWDUST AND TINSEL and the underlying element of its most awesome scenes such as the flashback on the beach which is also an homage to Sergei Eisenstein and to other masters of the silent films period. A movie to watch several times. December 2, 2007

Great film

While still an "early Bergman," this film is in drastic contrast with his previous work and is a definite indication of an emerging great talent. It has most elements of a great Bergman's movie - realism, symbolism, good cinematography (the famous scene with clown Frost and his wife; also the entire "love" scene of Anne and Frans has been filmed excellently). Although it's not a fully mature Bergman's circa the early 60's, the picture is pure brilliance. A must see for anyone who loves Bergman. September 15, 2007

Sawdust and Tinsel of the Naked Night

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Ingmar Bergman's "Gycklarnas Afton" aka "Sawdust and Tinsel aka "The Naked Night" (1953) is a sad tale of passion, jealousy, betrayal, and humiliation set in a shabby traveling circus in the beginning of 20Th century in Sweden. When it was originally released in 1953, the movie met the fierce controversy and misunderstanding from both the critics and the viewers. Even now, more than fifty years later, Bergman remembers what one of the critics said about "Sawdust and Tinsel", "I refuse to make an ocular inspection of Mr. Bergman's latest vomit." The master said that he's always liked the film and it was enough for me to try to find and watch it.

The story itself is not original and has been told many times - it concerns the aging circus owner who fell under the spell of his young and breathtakingly sensual mistress Anna (Harriet Anderson - God Almighty and who would not? If ever any woman could change my sexual orientation, it would've been Anderson of "Dreams", "Smiles of a Summer Night", and "Sawdust and Tinsel". Those dark deep eyes - one minute, the big and naive eyes of a little sweet girl, next second - elongated promising eyes of a natural born seductress, enchantress, and a heart breaker. Her lips, long dark hair, and the body of a dancer and a model make her the embodiment of irresistible femininity.

Filled with the images of exquisite elegance, photographed in striking black and white colors, this study of a love triangle - circus manager loses his mistress to an attractive, young but sadistic actor while trying (without a success) to reconcile with his ex-wife - leads to a powerful and devastating climax. The guns put to one's head may not fire at the end of the naked night but the feelings of despair, hopelessness, and humiliation are overwhelming and not easily shaken.


January 3, 2007

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