Persona
Quick Summary
The film Persona (1966) by Ingmar Bergman is a psychological drama that explores themes of identity and the masks people wear. The story centers on an actress who suddenly stops speaking and a nurse tasked with her care. As they spend time together in isolation, their identities begin to blur and merge.1
The film is noted for its fragmented narrative and sensual experience, aiming to convey uncertainties about identity on a level below explicit storytelling. It delves into the concept of the "persona," a term coined by Carl Jung, which refers to the personality an individual projects to others, distinct from their authentic self. Bergman uses the actress's silence as a device to explore communication beyond words, allowing for a deeper connection between the characters and the audience.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Bibi Andersson
…as the complex nurse in Persona (1966).
Read More…as the complex nurse in Persona (1966).
Read More
Liv Ullmann…of his complex psychological drama Persona (1966), they began a long-standing professional and personal relationship. Ullmann’s work with Bergman received widespread acclaim and made the actress an international star. Their collaborations—nearly all of which are regarded as masterpieces by film scholars—included Vargtimmen (1968; Hour of the Wolf); Skammen (1968; Shame);…
Read More…of his complex psychological drama Persona (1966), they began a long-standing professional and personal relationship. Ullmann’s work with Bergman received widespread acclaim and made the actress an international star. Their collaborations—nearly all of which are regarded as masterpieces by film scholars—included Vargtimmen (1968; Hour of the Wolf); Skammen (1968; Shame);…
Read More

