A fresh take on Bergman’s ‘Faithless’: Alfredson’s bold reinterpretation
Revisiting a classic with a modern twist
Some purists believe that Ingmar Bergman’s work is untouchable. However, Tomas Alfredson is not one of them. The Swedish director, known for his acclaimed films “Let the Right One In” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” has taken on the challenge of reimagining Bergman’s deeply personal story in the new series “Faithless,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
A deeply personal narrative
“Faithless” is based on the 2000 film directed by Liv Ullman and written by Bergman himself. Alfredson describes it as Bergman’s most autobiographical work, a story he struggled to complete due to the torment of guilt. “There was something in this material I felt could tackle in a different way,” Alfredson explains. “It would be different if I remade ‘The Seventh Seal’ or ‘Fanny and Alexander,’ but this? It was open for reinterpretation.”
A new perspective on familiar characters
Alfredson emphasizes that his version of “Faithless” is “very free from the original.” While Lena Endre reprises her role as Marianne, the character’s journey takes a new direction. In the original film, Marianne is a ghost visiting David, her former lover. In the series, Marianne survives a suicide attempt and meets David again, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship. “It’s fairer this way, but it’s a big change,” Alfredson notes. The introduction of a new character, Isabelle, further enriches the narrative, as her life is profoundly affected by the events.
Expanding the story
Produced by Fremantle’s Miso Film Sweden, in co-production with SVT and Arte, “Faithless” benefits from the support of several Nordic broadcasters and film funds. The series stars Frida Gustavsson and August Wittgenstein as the young Marianne and her husband Markus, while Gustav Lindh and Jesper Christensen portray David, Markus’ best friend. With six episodes, Alfredson had the opportunity to explore multiple perspectives, something the original film’s 2-hour and 30-minute runtime couldn’t fully accommodate.
The complexity of human emotions
Alfredson acknowledges that understanding his characters’ choices can be challenging, as love and lust often defy logic. “When I look at my own life, I recall moments of falling in love or attraction without any specific reason. It just happens,” he reflects. “Faithless” delves into the theme of passion, portraying the characters’ intense emotions and the consequences of their actions.
The challenge of portraying sexuality
In the series, the characters are making a film that includes erotic elements, a difficult aspect to translate into images. “Sexuality is complicated to portray if you want it to feel true,” Alfredson explains. “It’s like showing food and trying to make people hungry. You have to be careful not to just use the bodies of your actors to make people horny.”
The timeless nature of betrayal
Marianne, Markus, and David’s close relationships only heighten the impact of their betrayals. Although Bergman wrote the story long ago, its themes remain relevant. “When you wake up feeling these emotions, it seems like you’re doing the right thing, even if you hurt the ones you betray,” Alfredson says. The series questions the traditional bourgeois family structure and explores the enduring fascination with betrayal, especially when it involves friends.
The evolving landscape of television and cinema
Alfredson appreciates the current potential of television to handle complex narratives, something he feels cinema struggles with due to financial constraints. “There have been times when television has been very radical and open-minded, while feature films were for kids, with people in leotards and space heroes,” he observes. “The balance has been upset because there aren’t many dramas for grownups at the moment.”
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges of making a series like “Faithless,” Alfredson remains open to future projects that offer creative freedom. His next endeavor is a theater play, a medium that allows for a different kind of artistic expression. “You have to look for things that give you freedom,” he concludes.
For those interested in exploring this reimagined classic, you can watch the trailer for Faithless and delve into the intricate world Alfredson has crafted.