THE MAGICIAN is a very good fantasy drama with elements of comedy. A human drama about fates, masks and magic. One traveling magician, together with his companions, comes to a big city. Upon arrival in the city, he becomes the object of ridicule and accusations. The city authorities are trying to expose his tricks. Their efforts end in a farcical climax through love, sexuality, psychology and supernatural phenomena...
Mr. Bergman has again managed to re-examine the important questions of life in an imaginary world. The phenomena that we do not understand are sometimes exciting. Mr. Bergman has tried to play with the human mind through human needs and instincts under the strong influence of illusions and transience of life. Emotions and excitement are colliding with tradition and intellect. The director has made a very pleasant deception. Mystery was complemented with games of shadows, mirrors and lightning. Brilliant sound occasionally breaks anxious silence.
The dialogues are thoughtful and very provocative. Characterization is, as usual, excellent.
Max von Sydow as Albert Emanuel Vogler is a magician, entertainer, a doctor, a charlatan and a crook at the same time. His character was captured by the irony of life and spiritual poverty. This can be read on the actor's face.
Ingrid Thulin as Manda Vogler (alias Mr. Aman) is a beautiful and faithful wife of magician. Gunnar Björnstrand as Dr. Vergerus is a very provocative as a skeptical doctor. Åke Fridell as Tubal is a crook with a smile on his face. Bibi Andersson as Sara is a falsely naive girl, who fell in love with one coachman. Naima Wifstrand as Granny Vogler is a wise old witch, who sings a lovely lullaby for good night and sells rat poison at the same time.
This is a good combination between the gruesome melodrama and lustful comedy that ends with a general farce.
