Light Keeps Me Company

Light Keeps Me Company is an intimate and beautifully crafted 2000 documentary which provides an illuminating insight into the life and career of one of the greatest cinematographers of all time, - Sven Nykvist. The film is directed by Carl-Gustaf Nykvist, who is the son of Sven Nykvist, and crafted with a rich sense of warmth and love, serving as both an enlightening professional biography and a deeply personal tribute.

The documentary chronicles the extraordinary career of Sven Nykvist, who is regarded as one of the leading figures in the world of cinematography. With more than 120 films to his credit, Nykvist is best known for his long-time collaboration with legendary Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. His exceptional work in films like 'Cries and Whispers' and 'Fanny and Alexander' earned him two Academy Awards. Along with his professional journey, the film also delves into the personal life of Nykvist, offering a compelling portrait of his life struggles and triumphs.

Sven Nykvist himself appears in the film, delicately narrating his experiences, thoughts, and feelings. He charmingly describes his initial years in the film industry, his long collaboration with Bergman, and the essential philosophy that guided his work. The movie captures viewers' attention with his fascinating stories about his work on different film sets all over the world and interactions with various iconic figures in the cinema world.

Nykvist’s personal life is gracefully interwoven within his career path, providing raw insight into his world beyond the camera. His early life and experiences, his struggle with family tragedies, and his battle with aphasia in his later years are all touchingly recounted.

The film features an impressive list of interviewees, consisting of some of the most prominent names in the film industry who worked with Sven Nykvist. Prominent figures such as Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen, Susan Sarandon, Roman Polanski, and Richard Attenborough among many others share their experiences of working with Nykvist, painting a picture of a man who was not only incredibly talented but also deeply loved and respected by his contemporaries.

Erland Josephson, a long-time collaborator with Nykvist and Bergman, provides a profound and touching homage to the great cinematographer. Susan Sarandon, who worked with Nykvist on 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being,' pays tribute to the artist's exceptional talent and humaneness.

In terms of its visual construction, Light Keeps Me Company is visually spectacular. It uses a mix of rare behind-the-scenes footage, personal family films, and a rich array of clips from Nykvist's many films. These clips, featuring his masterful use of light and color, act as powerful visual testament to Nykvist's genius.

The documentary hangs on a deeply emotional core as the underlying narrative revolves around the personal relationship between the director Carl-Gustaf Nykvist and his father, Sven. The sensitive portrayal of their bond, the shared love of cinema and family, thrives throughout the film.

Light Keeps Me Company unfolds as a love letter to the world of filmmaking and to one of its most influential figures, Sven Nykvist. It exposes viewers to both his brilliant professional career and his deeply human personal journey. During its runtime, the film manages to distil the essence of the art of cinematography, while also recounting a compelling human story filled with love, loss, triumphs, and tragedy. As such, it appeals to both film enthusiasts interested in the art and craft of cinema, as well as viewers interested in human stories, relationships, and emotional sagas.

In final analysis, Light Keeps Me Company is a compelling and deeply moving documentary that offers a glimpse into the life and aesthetics of a cinema legend. It is both informative for those interested in the field of cinematography, and a heartfelt, deeply personal tribute from a son to his father. It is a fitting ode to one of the greatest cinematographers the world has ever seen, a man whose extraordinary talent and humane spirit earned him a place in the annals of global cinema.