I, Bergman

Authors: Daniel Crooke
Location: Ohio

"I. Bergman"

Produced by: Isabella Rossellini
Directed by: Bennett Miller
Screenplay by: John Logan
Score by: Howard Shore

Principal Cast:

Parker Posey as Ingrid Bergman
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Roberto Rossellini
Johnny Depp as David O. Selznick
John C. Reilly as Dr. Aron Petter Lindstrom
Natalie Portman as Isabella Rossellini
Michael Caine as Alfred Hitchcock
Jack Nicholson as Ed Sullivan

Tagline: "On August 29th, 1915, Ingrid Bergman was born. Hollywood would never be the same"

Synopsis: Before she was known as Ilsa Lund, a little girl named Ingrid Bergman was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Thousands of miles away from Hollywood. Growing up, both of her parents died. She decided to study at the Royal Dramatic Theatre. That is where her life began. She was introduced to Hollywood in the David O. Selznick produced film,
"Intermezzo". She and her husband Dr. Aron Petter Lindstrom moved to Los Angeles. That is where her Hollywood career began. The film was a hit and she soon became "Sweden's illustrious gift to Hollywood". Starring in such films as "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Casablanca", "Gaslight" and "The Bells of St. Mary", she won three Academy Awards for three of those films. Renowned director, Alfred Hitchcock gave her several good roles, and also helped to make Ingrid Bergman a household name in every director's home in Hollywood. She met Roberto Rossellini and she had two girls with Rosellini, Isabella and Isotta. She then divorced her husband and was now branded as "Hollywood's apostle of degradation". Now with being the butt of Ed Sullivan's joke and being diagnosed with cancer, Bergman needed her life back. This is her story.

What the press would say:

"I. Bergman" is a phenomenal film. The acting is great, the way it is shot is great (I will explain later), and the writing and factual information is fascinating. Parker Posey, once "Queen of the Indies", is now showing her audience that she is just as good in mainstream cinema. Her portrayal of Ingrid Bergman in this year's "I. Bergman" is spectacular. Ms. Posey can do drama just as well as she can do comedy, and we all know how well she does comedy (Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show, etc.). "I. Bergman" is an incredible film that is somewhat reminding me of "The Aviator". This would make sense because the screenplay and the score is done by "The Aviator" alumnis, John Logan and Howard Shore.

The screenplay is magnificent. The film has somewhat of a sepia tone at times, though not completely. It is a bold idea and it works. A supporting performance done by last year's Best Actor winner, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Bergman's second husband, and father of future actress, Isabella Rossellini is another great performance. The film is produced by Isabella Rossellini, and she says it is a "tribute to her mother". I must say, it is a tribute worthy of such a legend of the screen. With about ten minutes of screen time, Jack Nicholson as Ed Sullivan is very entertaining. A risky casting choice, due to Nicholson's age, turns out to be a good one. It is more of a cameo than a Oscar-nominated performance, so "The Jack" will probably not be seeing a thirteenth nomination coming his way, although it is deserved. But the real star of the film is Parker Posey as the great screen legend. I cannot stress enough about how wonderful she is as Ingrid Bergman. Like I said before, she really is showing that her drama skills are top notch. She will be getting an Oscar this year, regardless of the other nominees. Isabella Rossellini is portrayed by Natalie Portman, and it is a great job. Ms. Portman is a wild card for a nomination, but I will not be surprised if she scores one.

The real Rossellini does one of the songs in the film, it is when Bergman is dying. I truly believe that it will touch you. The film's concluding scene is Isabella at her mother's gravestone. She weeps and then walks away. It is a very believable scene and may win Portman the Oscar. Overall, a great film that can be compared to other great biopics. This film is one of the best biopics I have ever seen. One thing is for sure, Parker Posey will be rewarded for her work in this film, and it is about time.

Nominations

Best Picture
Best Director- Bennett Miller
Best Actress- Parker Posey
Best Supporting Actor- Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress- Natalie Portman
Best Original Screenplay- John Logan
Best Cinematography
Best Original Song- "Mother" by Isabella Rossellini
Best Film Editing
Best Make-Up
Best Costumes