Fanny and Alexander (1982)

“Opening Prologue Scene”

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  188 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 312 Minutes) 

Rated: R     

Genre: Drama

Director: Imgmar Bergman 

Starring: Kristina Adolphson, Borje Ahistedt, Permilla Allwin, Kristian Almgren, Carl Billquist, Bertil Guve

IMDB Rank: 8.1/10

Part 1 Time:   104 Minutes  (Director’s Cut:  171 Minutes) 

Part 2 Time:   84 Minutes (Director’s Cut:  141 Minutes) 

****Originally intended to be a television miniseries, the film was cut to 188 minutes (from 312 minutes) to be released in theatres. The full version of the film has been released as a director’s cut version.

Where does the first part end? Alexander Ekdahl (Bertil Guve) shows Fanny Ekdahl (Pernilla Allwin) their bedroom window, it is barred.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: 

Theatrical/Director’s Cut: “The windows are barred. They can’t be opened” explains Alexander Ekdahl .

First line of dialogue on the second part: 

Theatrical: “Yes, Oscar, that’s how it is. One is old and a child at the same time” Helena Ekdahl (Gunn Wallgran) speaks to the spirit of Oscar Ekdahl (Allan Edwall).

Director’s Cut : “Hello?” Helena Ekdahl answers her home phone.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat/Jarring, Emelie Ekdahl (Ewa Froling) has married Bishop Edvard Vergerus (Jan Malmsjo). Emelie Ekdahl and her children Fanny Ekdahl and Alexander Ekdahl have now moved into the Bishop’s house having to give up all processions and connections to family. Corporal punishment is frequently used by Edvard on the children. How will Emelie, Alexander, and Fanny Ekdahl safely escape from the Bishop?

Which part is better? The film is depicted from a child’s (Alexander’s) point of view, thus adding various details and creativity only seen through the eyes of a child. The attention to set detail is spectacular. Part one is given a slight edge as we are able to not only see the contrasts between the Ekdahl and Vergers homes, but also the importance of family.

Academy Awards:  Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director (Nominated), Best Writing-Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (Nominated).

THEATRICAL POSTER