|
|
The Story of Gosta Berling |
 |
The Story of Gosta Berling
|
by Timeless Multimedia
Sales Rank: 58931
Price: $14.99
|
|
|
THE SAGA OF GOSTA BERLING has been available on VHS for many years but never like this. Previous versions were cut-rate low budget affairs that were missing over half the film's running time and were often presented without any kind of musical accompaniment. European silent films in particular have suffered in the U.S. where, because of the limited appeal and general unavailability of the material, any version was better than no version. While this is true to a certain extent it is also true that a great deal of harm was done as it gave most people the wrong impression of many of these silent classics by making them appear crude and primitive. Over the last decade that misconception is being corrected as quality releases from companies like Kino International and Milestone Films help to rectify the situation. Movies like METROPOLIS and NOSFERATU, to cite two well known titles, can be seen more or less the way they were intended. Such is now the case with GOSTA BERLING which turns out to be a monumental epic on par with films like BIRTH OF A NATION and NAPOLEON. <br /> <br />The storyline, as has been noted before, is like a Swedish version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Contrary to the way the film is advertised, it is not a vehicle for Greta Garbo. Her part is important and it got her noticed but she is only one of several characters who inhabit this large scale canvas. At 184 minutes GOSTA is very long and at times hard to follow because of the numerous storylines but if you stick with it you'll find yourself inevitably drawn in and the last third of the film is a powerful emotional ride that is almost impossible to turn away from. Bravos to the Swedish Film Institute for the restoration work which is truly remarkable and to Kino International for making this masterwork available the way it was meant to be seen. <br /> <br />Special mention should be made of the outstanding new score by Matti Bye that accompanies the film. It enhances the various moods of the many characters and keeps you drawn to the story as it unfolds. Sweden was one of the major players during the silent era and GOSTA BERLING would mark the zenith of Swedish cinema for nearly 30 years as most of the talent involved with the film would migrate to Hollywood where superstardom awaited Garbo, several good parts awaited Lars Hanson, and the end of his career awaited director Mauritz Stiller who would die in 1928 after returning to Sweden. This is part of a three film tribute along with SIR ARNE'S TREASURE and the romantic comedy EROTIKON devoted to the great but forgotten Swedish director. It's a must have for any silent film aficionado or for anyone who loves an epic romance. Think of it as a silent film treatment of GONE WITH THE WIND or DOCTOR ZHIVAGO.
Viewer Reviews
After watching Greta Garbo in her very first film "The Saga of Gosta Berling" in 1924, I thought it to be a masterpiece. Her acting along with Lars Hanson was excellent making Garbo a star along with her many other films in the 1920s in America leading her all the way to the 1930s.
The Swedish Film Institute along with Kino did a magnificent job with its restoration, orchestral score, along with its piano, violins, etc making the film look to be at its original debut. I also liked all the sets, costumes and actors in the film also. With this wonderful film based on the novel by Nobel Prize winner and Swedish writer Selma Lagerlof, it is at its finest moment. I think that this film deserves to be one of the best films for Greta Garbo playing the role of Elisabeth Dohna along with Lars Hanson as Gosta Berling and directed by Mauritz Stiller to be considered a monumental work of art for Sweden and its history for cinema.
Back To Top
|
The Story of Gosta Berling
Available from Amazon
|
|
NOTICE: All product prices, availability, and specifications
are subject to verification by their respective retailers.
Copyright © 2009, Dominant Systems Corporation
info@HowlingVideo.com
Privacy Policy
Last Modified : 1-5-2009
|
