Stellan Skarsgård Critiques Ingmar Bergman's Troubling Past at Festival

At the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, actor Stellan Skarsgård openly discussed his complex relationship with the late director Ingmar Bergman, revealing uncomfortable truths about Bergman's past. Skarsgård, who starred in a 1986 stage adaptation of August Strindberg's *A Dream Play*, described Bergman as 'manipulative' and unsettling, particularly emphasizing Bergman's historical sympathies for Nazism.

Skarsgård's remarks came during a promotional event for Joachim Trier's film, *Sentimental Value*, which pays homage to Bergman's cinematic legacy. He stated, 'Bergman was a Nazi during the war and the only person I know who cried when Hitler died.' This statement has drawn significant attention, as Bergman's controversial past has resurfaced in public discourse.

The conversation around Bergman's Nazi sympathies is not new. In a 1999 interview with Maria-Pia Boëthius, Bergman acknowledged his early admiration for Hitler, recalling his experience at a Nazi rally in Germany at the age of 16. 'Hitler was unbelievably charismatic. He electrified the crowd,' he said, reflecting on the impact of his upbringing in a right-wing Swedish family. This admission is detailed in Boëthius's book, which explores Sweden's neutrality during World War II and includes accounts of Bergman’s childhood actions, such as vandalizing the home of a Jewish neighbor with swastikas.

Bergman himself later addressed his past in his 1987 memoir, *The Magic Lantern*, expressing how he 'was on Hitler’s side' until the revelations of Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust irrevocably altered his perspective. 'When the doors to the concentration camps were thrown open, I was suddenly ripped of my innocence,' he explained, highlighting the shift in his worldview.

Skarsgård's critique of Bergman is echoed by other actors and industry figures who have worked with him. In a 2012 interview with *The Guardian*, Skarsgård previously stated, 'I didn’t want him near my life.' He clarified that while Bergman was a brilliant director, his personal demeanor was less admirable, likening him to the artist Caravaggio, who was also known for his problematic behavior.

The revelations regarding Bergman’s past not only complicate his legacy in cinema but also raise broader questions about the intersection of art and morality. As *Sentimental Value* garners critical acclaim, it remains to be seen how audiences will reconcile Bergman's artistic contributions with his troubling history. The festival’s atmosphere, charged with discussions around ethics in art, underscores the importance of examining the legacies of influential figures in the light of their actions.

The dialogue surrounding Skarsgård's statements and Bergman’s legacy is expected to continue, particularly as *Sentimental Value* is poised for awards consideration later this year. As this conversation unfolds, it invites reflection on the complexities inherent in celebrating artistic genius while grappling with the darker aspects of an artist’s character.