A documentary film exploring Ingrid Bergman’s life and career is being released this spring titled In Her Own Words. This movie gives viewers an intimate view of her as seen through her eyes; showing a woman willing to make difficult choices both professionally and personally.
Bergman endured an arduous childhood. She lost both parents at an early age, while her father ran a photography shop. But Bergman made up for these losses with creativity; first on Broadway then on screen. Casablanca marked her breakthrough role on an international scale before continuing with For Whom the Bell Tolls and Gaslight; as well as returning triumphantly back into Hollywood in 1956’s Anastasia to win her second Academy Award!
Bergman had always been drawn to visual mediums, and she took great care in curating her film stills and 8mm home movies. Additionally, she used photography as an avenue for recording her family life, particularly capturing motherhood through its essence. Bergman often refers to photography as her first love – something it is easy to understand why she did this so fondly.
Bergman continued to take on challenging roles throughout her life, both on Broadway and film; her last film role being as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in A Woman Called Golda in 1981 – she died shortly thereafter at age 67 in London.
Isabella Rossellini and Pia Lindstrom, Bergman’s daughters, serve as narrators, providing commentary for each of the 14 films shown and sharing memories and feelings related to their mother.
In Her Own Words is a tribute to a woman who became one of cinema’s iconic figures through her groundbreaking roles in film. She was an actress with passion and talent who earned worldwide renown; yet at times struggled to maintain balance in her life; marrying director Roberto Rossellini while both were already committed was a huge risk that could have demolished both careers and legacies.
“Her Own Words: Ingrid Bergman in Her Own Words is an enthralling and intimate look at a legendary figure’s long and eventful life and career; essential viewing for fans of Ingrid Bergman as well as film lovers alike; it can be found both on DVD and Blu-ray.”