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Released when Bergman was arguably at the pinnacle of his artistic prestige and influence in broader popular culture, Winter Light can be seen as an incredibly risky career move. The film probably does more than any other of his major works to feed into the reputation mentioned above of Bergman’s oeuvre as relentlessly bleak and trembling on the brink of utter despair. Taking place in the depths of a Scandinavian winter, the film introduces us to a small cast of characters, each burdened by hefty and unavoidable questions about the purpose and even value of their individual lives. At the center of this stark, minimalistic scenario is a minister propelled by duty to lead a worship service attended only by a scant few of his congregants even as he grapples with his own crisis of faith as he questions the validity of his beliefs and pastoral vows. His exchanges with a young man contemplating suicide in response to the threat of nuclear annihilation cut to the heart of similar concerns felt by many as we confront the uncertainties imposed by climate change. Winter Light has been cited by Paul Schrader as a source of inspiration to First Reformed (2017) and should be seen by all who appreciate that film, one I consider to be among the greatest of the 21st century.Winter Light
Directed by: Ingmar Bergman
Genre: Drama
Country: Sweden
Released: 1963
Runtime: 81 minutes
Rated: Not Rated
Online Price
$8 General Admission
$6 CMC & Wealthy Theatre Member
Door Price
$10 General Admission
$8 CMC & Wealthy Theatre Members
Doors: 7:00 PM
Movie: 8:00 PM
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49506
Tickets
