Prison (Swedish: Fängelse), also known as The Devil's Wanton in the United States, is a 1949 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. It is the earliest film directed by Bergman to be based on his own original screenplay.
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Prison | |
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Directed by | Ingmar Bergman |
Written by | Ingmar Bergman |
Produced by | Lorens Marmstedt |
Starring |
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Music by | Erland von Koch |
Release dates |
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Running time | 76 mins |
Country | Sweden |
Language | Swedish |
Budget | $30,000 |
Other than film-maker Martin Grandé, the characters are types: Thomas, a writer; his wife Sofi, who leaves him after he proposes a suicide pact; Birgitta Carolina Søderberg, a teenage prostitute; and Peter, her pimp by whom she has a child that he kills. The film presents Thomas living the scenario that Grandé and he discussed, a world that is really Hell and ruled by the Devil instead of God. He and Birgitta are unable to escape their unhappiness together.[1]
Producer Lorens Marmstedt agreed to finance the filming of Bergman's experimental screenplay, which the director said was in large part exploring the question, "Is earth Hell?"[2] Filming, on a very low budget of approximately $30,000, took place over only 18 days,[3] using an Expressionist style of cinematography;[1][2] characterisation is minimal and the acting flat, in keeping with the emphasis on existential symbolism. At one point, in further distancing, Thomas and Birgitta watch a ridiculous silent film together.[1]
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