All These Women

All These Women, known as För att inte tala om alla dessa kvinnor in its original Swedish title, marks an interesting shift in the illustrious career of acclaimed filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. This 1964 satirical comedy rose to be a profound departure from the intense psychological dramas the director was known for. The film stars a stellar cast, including the talented Bibi Andersson, Harriet Andersson, and Eva Dahlbeck.

In a nutshell, All These Women revolves around the absurdity and pretentiousness of high society, represented through a beautiful mansion filled with seven cultured and affluent women. Bergman expertly sets the stage to discuss privileges, art, and human relations within a space that sees femininity in power and masculinity trying to decode its elusive charm.

Harriet Andersson plays the role of Isolde, a stunning orchestral musician who is one of the seven women living in the mansion. Her character stands out with her unique charm, blending allure and intellect that make her an object of intrigue and fascination. Bibi Andersson, another renowned actress in Bergman’s troupe, plays the character of Humlan. Humlan’s empathetic and sensitive portrayal provides a sharp contrast to the amusement the director seeks to create from the male protagonist's dilemmas.

Eva Dahlbeck, who had previously collaborated with Bergman in Smiles of a Summer Night, plays one of the other women living in the fancy mansion. Her character, Adelaide, exudes richness and idiosyncrasy, contributing to the visual storytelling crafted by Bergman.

The movie channels its comedy through the protagonist, played by Jarl Kulle, who is the only significant male character in the film. Kulle portrays an aspiring music critic named Cornelius, who is determined to write a biography on a prominent deceased composer. The plot gets interesting when Cornelius arrives at the mansion housing the composer's mistresses and becomes increasingly embroiled in their world. The seven women that Cornelius encounters are an eclectic mix, each with her unique quirks and eccentricities.

The man's journey into this mansion helps create multiple layers of satire. He's the fish out of water, the outsider amidst women of character and aesthetics, attempting to navigate through their world filled with intrigue, mystique, and a lot of beautiful cello music. His clumsy and often absurd interaction with the women makes up for many hilarious incidents, offering an enjoyable viewing experience.

Unlike his other works, All These Women manifests color, brevity, satire, and melody embellished in an opera-like fashion. The movie marks Bergman’s first venture into color cinematography, with colors playing a crucial narrative tool, reflecting the opulence of the mansion and the distinct personalities of the women residing in it.

In the visuals, one can see Bergman's efforts to capture the flamboyance of a silent era slapstick comedy successfully. The extravagant and detailed set design, the effulgent costumes, and the vibrant color palette creatively used in the film offer a feast for the viewers' eyes.

The movie’s writing incorporates elements of both slapstick comedy and intellect, making it a perfect blend of humor and wit that won't fail to impress film aficionados. Although a satire, the film subtly explores themes around elitism, artistry, and the complications of human relationships.

What sets the movie apart is the fact that the women characters are written with depth, uniqueness, and agency. Each character is depicted as an individual with her own set of qualities and characteristics, making the movie a celebration of femininity. The film also tries to decode the world of art, creativity, and music through its farcical narrative.

All These Women strays considerably from Bergman’s typical filmmaking style but remains a testimony to his exceptional storytelling potential. Serving as both critique and novelty, through the absurd and funny plot, Bergman exhibits a different side of his directorial prowess. A dimension that successfully fuses comedy with profound themes, veering into a satire that is bold and colorful. The film, with all these fascinating and empowered women, presents a beguiling ride into the surreal and hilarious world of high-brow bedroom politics and topsy-turvy relationships. In its odd way, the movie's blend of laughter and depth presents an enriching cinematic experience unlike any other.