THE MAGICIAN — THE CRITERION COLLECTION
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Ingmar Bergman's 1958 masterpiece finds Max von Sydow inhabiting Bergman's alter ego as Dr. Vogler, a nineteenth century traveling magician.
Dr. Vogler's gypsy troupe consists of his wife Manda (Ingrid Thulin) disguised as a young man, Granny Vogler, a ninety-something witch, Tubal (Åke Fridell), an exuberant master of ceremonies, and Simon (Lars Ekborg), a young stage coach driver.
Bergman's social satire catches fire when the mute Dr. Vogler and his team are challenged in Stockholm by Dr. Vergérus (Gunnar Björnstrand), the royal medical adviser, who wants to be truly mesmerized, if not terrified, by the magician's performance.
Ingmar Bergman gradually peels back layers of social hierarchy to expose core truths regarding the myriad ways in which artists are abused and exploited.
More of a timeless parable than scathing attack against those of his own country who vilified Ingmar Bergman out of disrespect and jealousy, "The Magician" nevertheless takes sharp aim at authority figures as a whole.
Bergman tosses out sparks of laugh-inducing barbs of social humor while also turning the drama ice-water cold, as when Dr. Vergérus attempts to steal Dr. Vogler's wife from under his nose while the husband watches, standing by in the shadows.
Brilliant.
Max von Sydow puts Laurence Olivier to shame. Dr. Vogler's transformation of character provides the audience with rare entertainment experience.
This lush film is a stone-cold classic by any measure.
"The Magician" is a really fun movie to return to time and time again. There's just so much cinematic magic to savor.
Not Rated. 101 mins.
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