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Wood Painting

Wood Painting (1963)

Apr 21, 1963 49m Drama TV Movie

A knight returning home with his squire Jons after a ten-year crusade to the Holy Land finds a country paralyzed by the Black Death, a newly burned witch, a blacksmith and his runaway wife, an actress, a Virgin Mary with her child and the knight's faithful wife. All approaches the realm of the dead in a single "tragicomic long dance of death". The narrator begins with: "In a church in southern Småland is our spectacle painted on the wall just to the right of the entrance to the porch. The unknown painter has on the church wall depicted a number of people in formal long dance toward death."

Directed by Lennart Olsson

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Lennart Olsson
Writer
  • Ingmar Bergman
Producer
  • Henrik Dyfverman

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Wood Painting examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Lennart Olsson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1963, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Wood Painting took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 49 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 92 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 75 unique compositions.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1963, when this film was released:
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Wood Painting shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Great Expectations, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Wood Painting offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Thirteen and Terms of Endearment explore similar territory, Wood Painting stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 21, 1963
  • Runtime: 49m

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