Persona

Ever since a performance of Elektra, the renowned actress Elisabeth Vogler has remained in a state of apathy. Her doctor suggests she spend some time in a secluded summer house, accompanied by the young nurse Alma. The two women not only resemble each other physically, but over time they grow closer on a psychological level as well, developing a strange relationship of mutual dependence…
The title refers on the one hand to the persona of ancient theater, but also to Carl Jung’s concept of an artificial personality construct that an individual adopts to protect or deceive their environment.
With its stark and existential tone, Bergman’s Opus 27 also marks the beginning of his long and profound personal and artistic relationship with Liv Ullmann. (Florian Widegger)