“I think I could turn into you if I really tried.” Talking About Persona with our guest, writer/director Sophie Barthes On this episode of Movies We Like, we speak with writer/director Sophie Barthes about one of her favorite films, Ingmar Bergman’s 1966 psychological drama Persona. We also discussed Barthes' own directing career and thoughts on filmmaking. We have an in-depth discussion about Bergman's avant-garde masterpiece Persona, analyzing its dreamlike atmosphere, innovative editing and cinematography, complex characters and themes of identity and psychology. We talk about how the film's shocking opening montage and sparse narrative puts the viewer in an unsettled state of mind. Overall, we find Persona to be an endlessly discussable classic that still feels fresh and boundary-pushing today. We also speak with Barthes about her three feature films - Cold Souls, Madame Bovary, and The Pod Generation. Barthes explains how she often explores themes of consumerism, psychology and identity through different genres and time periods. She shared insights into her creative process, from conceptualizing stories based on her dreams to her highly-stylized production design. Barthes also discussed the challenges of portraying human truths and darkness as a director today versus Bergman's time. Barthes gives thoughtful perspective as both a director and film lover. Her pick certainly leads to a rich discussion about cinematic art today as Persona proves to be a multilayered classic ripe for analysis. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel! Film Sundries Learn more about supporting The Next Reel’s Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel. Check out Sophie’s films Cold Souls Madame Bovary The Pod Generation on Amazon or Apple Watch Persona on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch Script Options Theatrical trailer Poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today. Learn more about CODA and how it can work for you! Read more about the results of the WGA strike here. Read more about the results of the SAG-AFTRA strike here. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel! Here’s where you can find us around the internet: The Web Letterboxd Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page Pete Andy We spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for? Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked! You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE. Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE. Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE. Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT. Or sign up for AUDIBLE.