Eclipse Series 1: Early Bergman- Torment (1944)

Torment
Directed By: Alf Sjöberg
Written By: Ingmar Bergman

Torment is clearly the work of a man with vision still trying to master his own creative voice. It's the type of film that deals with big, ambitious ideas, but falters when it comes to the execution. This is not to suggest that Ingmar Bergman's screenwriting debut is a complete disaster per-se, but it's obvious that Bergman still has yet to master his craft.

Torment seems to be two entirely different films squished together. The first follows Jan-Erik Widgren, played by Alf Kjellin, as he deals with sadistic Latin teacher Caligula, played by Stig Järrel, who seems to have it out for him. This plot effectively shows the disdain Bergman has for Sweden’s school system and sympathy towards youth culture. Whether it be the tearful little boy being punished for missing morning mass or the students quivering in fear of Caligula as he screams at Widgren, the plot is powered by a righteous anger that makes the proceedings rousing and exciting to watch.

It makes you wonder why Bergman had to shoehorn a romance, murder plot that completely derails the proceedings. Here Widgren falls for store clerk Bertha Olsson, played by Mai Zetterling, who coincidentally is also being tormented by Caligula, but in a much creepier and horrifying way.

Caligula’s transformation from an overly controlling school teacher, to a predatory psychopath ultimately derails the entire narrative of the film, turning what was ultimately a drama about the Swedish school system into an unsuccessful psychological thriller. 

Surprisingly, this is by no fault of director Alf Sjöberg, whose moody direction definitely is successful at creating an eerie atmosphere at parts. Instead, the fault lies in Bergman’s confused screenplay, which fails to provide the major element that all psychological thrillers need to survive: fully realized characters. 

Kjellin is unfortunately not able to give Widgren more dimensions beyond stressed teen, as evident by a hilarious crying scene in the third act of the film. And despite a crazed performance by Järrel, Caligula is simply too psychotic, his motivations and psychological problems being completely muddled in the process. One moment he seems to not mind what his students think; the next he’s recoiling in horror when a student insults him during graduation. It’s these inconsistencies that ultimately hurt the film.

Despite the uneven quality of the film, Torment marks the beginning of one man’s journey into filmmaking. Whether it be its ambition, incisive commentary, or thoughtful pacing, Bergman’s debut is a reminder of the things to come. It may not be good, but it certainly gives an idea of where he started.

Up Next: Seven Samurai (1954)