Sunday, May 31, 2009

Favorite Photos Video Blog Attempt

Hope you like the video! Let me know what you think and send in those photos! :)



TRANSCRIPT OF VIDEO BLOG (Hopefully this will help internationally!):

Hey everybody! Um...I am trying out a little bit of a video blog to try and change things up a little bit. My idea is that we can all post our favorite Ingrid pictures um and I'm about to show you two of mine. Gordon Parks did a photo shoot when Ingrid went to Stromboli to film with Roberto Rossellini in 1949 and there's a very haunting picture that appeared in Life Magazine and it's my all time favorite Ingrid Bergman picture; photograph. So--here it is. 

Cue Picture: Music "Ingrid Bergman" 

And my second favorite is a picture of her drinking champaign and she just looks like she's having a complete, fantastic, amazing time hanging out with people and just, I feel like it really shows who she might have really been. Um..I don't know her so I can't say. I'm sure we all wish we really had. So I'd like you to post your favorite Ingrid Bergman pictures and um.. either link them to the comments or put them on, like, twitpic or flickr. or anywhere!  And just link them to the comments page. I will post them and maybe put together some sort of collage or just a post that we can all agree on or disagree on. It should be interesting and feel free to be creative! If you want to send in fan art, or um... paintings and photos that you've done or um... or just a favorite video, that's fine too! Just send in, basically, you're favorite Ingrid Bergman thing. A dress that she wore, a favorite movie. Just make it a photograph so we can all see it. And you know, feel free, if you don't like this idea, if you don't like me video blogging, let me know and I'll stop or let me know that you like it and I'll keep going and maybe we could even have some sort of discussion. 

END

Saturday, May 30, 2009

For Whom The Bell Tolls

I just purchased a DVD copy of For Whom The Bell Tolls. It was on sale--which of course-- is AMAZING! lol.

Ingrid loved making this film and felt like it would end up more of a hit than it did. She cut her hair and went on location for a lot of the shoot, which were both out of Ingrid's norm in Hollywood. She was happy, but felt badly for the women who copied the hair cut. She said that she had professional stylists doing her hair while these women tried to recreate the look and ended up with crazy, short hair!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

"Oh C.K. Dexter Haven!"

Through my dashboard, online, not in my car, I noticed that the 180 tagging has been happening. I like this game. I think it's interesting to see different people's tastes and how things change. Life is so fluid, it's great when you can pin point change.

One "180" that stood out was C.K. Dexter Haven's from Hollywood Dreamland

His blog entry, "Forgive Me Ingrid," was about Ingrid Bergman and how he used to despise her and thought she ruined films on in particular: Casablanca.

C.K. has had a full recovery. Just thought everyone should know. His "180" has brought him to the light and he is still welcomed in this blog territory. Great entry C.K.! 


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Pensive and Beautiful



I just found this photo on flickr and I thought it was absolutely Ingrid. 
Hope you agree. :)

Monday, May 18, 2009

DVD RELEASE OF "A WOMAN CALLED GOLDA!"

Ingrid's last appearance on any screen in, A Woman Called Golda, is now available on DVD! 


I just read an article online from The San Francisco Gate about the release and a recount of the film. I love this film and own it on the dual VHS edition. I can't wait to purchase a DVD version! If you haven't seen this film, be prepared to be overwhelmed by emotions. The story is great, it's a long one, but a true example of Ingrid's dedication to her art. She was termanally ill with cancer, a disease that had messed with a gland above her right arm, resulting in a gargantuan swollen arm. Ingrid would hang her arm from a pole every time they stopped filming, while she slept and on breaks to drain as much fluid as possible. 
The film is movie due to her last moments on film as well as the triumphant story of Golda Meir, who also died after losing a fight with cancer. 

Check out the article and purchase the DVD here: DVD: 'A Woman Called Golda'

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Ingrid in Parade



Really Isabella is in Parade magazine talking about how to do "sex talk" with children. She mentions her mother, Ingrid Bergman, saying--

Her mother's best advice.
"My mom had a frugality and a simplicity and a down-to-Earthness that maybe was due to the fact that she was Swedish. But it was also her mom's personality. She taught me to have her simplicity and directness and that's what I admired most in her."

Check out the article in Parade or online here.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Friendly Blogger Award


Another award!? Wow. This is great. Thanks for the readership and the love. 
Lolita-- @ Lolita's Classics has passed on the "Friendly Blogger Award" to me! Thanks again Lolita!


I would like to pass it on to a couple blogs:





I would love to tell you more about these blogs-- but I would rather you know that they are amazing sources for classic film information. They are headquarters for dedicated fans, writers, bloggers, videos, photos, art, etc. They speak for themselves and are headed by fantastic people. Check them out and share the love :)

Classic Forever Shoutout: Photo of The day


(Clockwise: Roberto, Ingrid Isotta, Ingrid, Isabella)
Check out Millie's blog-- Classic Forever. Her photo of the day is Ingrid with her Rossellini children. Millie gave me a shout out in the post! :) Thanks Millie!

Happy Birthday Natasha

Today, would have been Natasha Richardson's 46th birthday (May 11, 1963 - March 18, 2009). She was such a fabulous actress, activist and person. I suggest that you check out her work today--whether it's on itunes, youtube, netflix or about AMfar. It's all worth while :)

This interview with Charlie Rose was quite prophetic and really inspiring. She also makes a Casablanca reference! :) She's one of my favorites and truly, dearly and sincerely missed.


Ingrid Bergman worked with Natasha's Mother, Vanessa Redgrave in Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

and Natasha's Grandfather, Michael Redgrave, in Hedda Gabler.



The Redgrave family has generations of actors and creative people. Not to mention, Natasha's sister is Actor, Joely Richarson, her father was Director, Tony Richardson and her husband is Actor, Liam Neeson. They are a royal family in acting.


Like Ingrid, Natasha did work that spoke to her and stood her ground on things she wanted or did not want to do. Her life's work was intense and beautiful though it was cut short this past March.

Fan-tastic!

The last post received marvelous comments on what to write about. I am in the works of researching your questions, reviewing film and trying to figure out where to start.
Please stay patient as I wade through the Ingrid info, but be ready to discuss some fabulous Ingrid Bergman life and films :)


Thanks for all of your support! :)

Friday, May 8, 2009

You Vote!

Here's the deal-- 
I'm drawing a blank on my next entry-- So I want to hear from you guys! 

Do you have a favorite Ingrid movie? Is there something you'd like to learn about her? Any questions or scenarios that you would like to discuss (hypathetic or real)? Any movies you want to know more about? 

Let me know! I want to have something really juicy and reader friendly to write about and I think you are the ones who will determine that! :)

"I made so many films which were more important, but the only one people ever want to talk about is that one with Bogart." -Ingrid Bergman 

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Notorious Part 4



The long overdue continuation of my play by play analysis of Notorious!

Get the DVD player warmed up-- we're at the scene when Sebastian wakes up Madame Sebastian to tell her the news of Alicia's undermining scheme.
If you're watching the 2008 re-release it's chapter 17 "Like an Idiot"
  • Note the clock striking 6 am--awfully early to be up after a party--dun dun dun!
  • Looks as if Sebastian hasn't slept at all--just thinking.
  • Alicia is sleeping like a baby. Probably helped by a quick meet up and make out session w/Dev and some champagne
  • Oh I just realized I'm re-stating these things-- well stick with me here-- Sebastian is now about to go tell his mommy.
  • I love how the same music reloops throughout the film. It's SO emotionally full.
  • The checker board floor in the foyer is not only stylish but an element of film noir. From distorted angles it appears as a web--any "spider ladies" around?
  • In the shot when Sebastian says "Mother..." he's watching her sleep-- then there are 3 versions of him. Sebastian the man is in a portrait photo, Sebastian the boy is in the seat and Sebastian the fooled is in the mirror--self reflecting--literally and figuratively.
  • Madame Sebastian is an all knowing character who has been ignored due to blind love and ambition. "I knew, I knew."
  • Extreme close up "I am married to an American agent" -- Hitch and most directors, when using an XCU are creating an element of claustrophobia and inescapable information. He wants us to feel like we too are stuck--or that we understand that Alex Sebastian is in a situation where there is no route out. Next time you watch a scary/gory/thriller movie--note when the XCU happens--you'll jump the next moment--or it will be a psych out!
  • Madame Sebastian is the creepiest lady EVER--well next to Gloria Swanson in Sunset Blvd.
  • She takes on a man's role here-- smoking a cigarette and knowing all--generally male sphere--she also has not time for emotion--time that Alex finds all the time.
  • He's betrayed his cause-- he knows his consequences
  • She calls the men stupid-- uh oh!
  • "No one must know who she is" "she will be on a leash, she will know nothing further"
  • "She will become ill, and remain ill for a time until--" in classic Hitchockian style-- we know exactly what the fate of the character will be-- now turning the fate on it's heels is the task-- Hitch wanted the audience to pay attention to what HE wanted them to see, hear and know-- so it's all very cut and dry as far as the plot is concerned--setting up the twists!
  • Oh drink that coffee-- that close up cup of coffee--right there
  • Too bad she was such a drunkard before-- they'd know right away if she hadn't had hangovers all the time, lol.
  • Uranium MacGuffin!
  • Change of contact?! WHAT?! To Spain!?
  • Devlin has such a broken heart--aww so does she. So she turns on the bitch switch-- I <3>
  • More coffee and off they go -- dizzy? look how Ingrid had to hunch over to walk next to Claude Rains.
  • Note how real the background is in the bench scene-- haha-- sweet studio drops!
  • Look how bitter and hurt she is--not to mention ill. :(
  • "No, nothing yet."
  • "Sick?" "NO, hangover."
  • I think it's hilarious that "it sort of lightens my chores" was an acceptable comment in this era. Like-- go ahead housewife-- do the Quaaludes, alcohol, sleeping pills or whatever-- just don't forget to iron my shirts. In the words of Isabella Rossellini's character on 30 Rock "The whole thing makes me want to vomit!"
  • You know there's a good chance Cary and Ingrid were both hungover for this scene-- the two were "notorious" for living it up with Hitch ;)
  • Not the scarf--that's your only piece of his stuff! Now you'll have nothing.
  • "What do you mean, goodbye?"
  • "Sit down you're still tight" -- can we start to use this term, "tight," again?! PLEASE!
  • Dr. Anderson is a great character-- he's humanized by his care of Alicia. He also reveals the issues at hand. wonderful!

  • Here is the tea cup shot-- Hitch used a cup 3x's the size of the original in order to have perfectly sharp focus on both Ingrid and the cup at the same time. They fight over the scene, the cup and Ingrid, of course-- Ingrid wins LOL

  • Cruise to Spain! haha--jump off and join Devlin-- nah-- not in the script. plus "I always get sea sick"
  • "Oh you're leaving? I'm sorry, I'll miss you." so monotone--creepy! She's so ill!!
  • Oh--cut off before telling where Dr. Anderson is going! --SUSPICIOUS!
  • Too bad Alicia is incredibly intelligent-- she noticed the coffee, the shut up and now the freak out.
  • OMG I love this distortion. The extreme back lighting-- check out that ring! Holy moly!
  • Even though she's dying-- she's still gorgeous-- Yes-- did you see that distortion-- and she's sweating-- AWESOME
  • like a fly caught in the web--see I told you the checker board look was important!

  • I wish the look of this movie would come back full force. Minus --Madame's hair.
  • In this scene where Madame Sebastian, Alicia and Alex are all in the shot-- it's almost like she's witnessing her own death. Very wake/coffin like and yet very beautifully shot. She knows there's no way out on her own from the bed room. It's like we're suffocating along with her.

  • Disconnect the telephone!?!!!
  • Uh-oh-- she's not there!
  • I love that Devlin just knows to come there---after two times. And Captain Prescot is so nonchalant.
  • His only warning is not to mess anything up, as he eats cheese and crackers.
  • Joseph!!
  • Cary Grant's so cute-- and always up to something.
  • Joseph is another know all character.
  • He acts like he doesn't know-- he's more of a giver of information
  • Ahh-- a meeting-- perfect timing on Dev's part!
  • They're feeling followed--they should!
  • Devlin's not waiting--F-that.
  • Up he goes- to find Alicia. Isn't it funny how a HUGE mansion has like 2 rooms?
  • She's SO happy to see him--even in dilirium-- she's still in love.
  • He's finally said "I love you!"
  • She's saved, he's saved. Alex is screwed and the Nazi's lose!

  • Hitch was such a romantic-- These are some intense love moments.
  • Of course they gave her pills to sleep--freaking bad guys!
  • She knows now that they killed Emile.

  • She's still spilling info--even when drugged and ill-- strong lady!
  • "You better tell them Sebastian."
  • Madame's totally trying to save their asses. Lol.
  • I love that they slam the lock on the car door but there's not really a window.
  • What's to prevent him from leaping onto Alicia's lap?
  • The last scene was a total fluke-- they didn't know how they wanted to finish the film.
  • The sealing of Alex's fate is in his look. 
The END! :)















Hope you enjoyed the film and the blog :)







Monday, May 4, 2009

Do You Like the New Look?



Does everyone like the new look?

I thought since most of my posts are in black and white, that we should enjoy color too. Ingrid was too colorful in life not to have things sparkle around here!

Let me know what you think!

Bells of St. Mary's Swedish Song

"It means, uh, spring."



I love this movie SO much!

The Bells of St. Mary's= Nuns boxing, Nuns playing baseball and breaking windows, Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman (of course), "The payoff scene," Ingrid's beautiful prayer scene at the end, and much, much, more!

Here's a link to Ingrid singing a lovely song in Swedish. This song is beautiful. If anyone knows where to find the words, or a recording, please let me know!

I sing it in the shower-- but it's gibberish. LOL!

Ingrid Bergman Sings Like an Angel (stupid embeded blocked)

Enjoy!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Ingrid Came Back

Here is a short from 1956 about Ingrid's come back to the United States. 




I like that she never apologized for what she did in her personal life and that I came back as only positives from her U.S. audiences. They showered her with awards and positive recognition upon her return-- that's right-- you messed up! Yey Ingrid!

Angela Landsbury Gaslight



This video is fantastic. The things she says about the other actors are so kind. I love the picture of Ingrid cutting her cake for her birthday. 



Cinema Splendor Gave Me A Splash!

(This is my second favorite photo of Ingrid--of all time)
Thank you to Sarah from Cinema Splendor for the wonderful splash award! :) She gave me mad props on Ingrid Bergman Life and Films, saying, 

"Alexis of Ingrid Bergman: Life and Films: LOVE LOVE LOVE this new blog. I never really knew much about Ingrid, but through this I do now! I think this is my favorite post :D"

It was so nice to read and recieve such a fantastic award! 

The Splash award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. When you receive this award, you must:
1. Put the logo on your blog/post.
2. Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash award.


I am giving the splash award to 3 blogs.

 Poverty Jet Set This is Mark's page. Mark is involved in the Fiesta Movement and he rocks. He's also involved in a page, poptent  that EVERYONE should check out it's a cool social networking place for creative folks. Mark is a producer and he and his wife are filmmakers. Check it out! 

 Classic Hollywood Nerd. I really enjoy Nicole's blogs about classic hollywood and film. She uses a lot of visuals like photos and videos--some of which I would have never really seen on my own. I love it. It expands my horizons! 

Classique Ingrid Ruby has recently contacted me about my Ingrid page, and her's is an explosion of Ingrid magnificence! She has lots of icons and photoshopped images that are colorful, creative and splendid! Check it out and check out her other blog La Vie En Rose

Fantastic work everyone and keep it up! Thanks again for the award, it genuinely made my day! :)

About Me

My photo
An avid Ingrid Bergman fan, I am a student of her life and work as well as film, filmmaking and Classic Film in general. I have my M.F.A. in TV/Film Production from USC School of Cinematic Arts and have been making a living in the business they call show. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @alexis_morrell