The Magician
1958 · Movie · NR · 102 min · ★ 7.4 · 93% critics
In 1840s Sweden, a traveling magic troupe arrives in a small town and is quickly challenged by officials who suspect fraud. Forced to perform under scrutiny, the group faces tense, sometimes darkly funny confrontations that blur the line between showmanship and the unknown, while personal tensions threaten to unravel their act.
Also known as The Face
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Details
- Original title
- Ansiktet
- Years
- 1958
- Release date
- 1958-12-26
- Language
- Swedish
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Critic score
- 93/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.4/10 (246 votes)
About
If you enjoy moody, thought-provoking stories about belief versus skepticism with a mix of mystery and uneasy humor, this could click; Not for you if you want straightforward plotting or consistently serious drama like Winter Light.
Pros: tense battle of wits; eerie, intriguing mood; darkly funny moments | Cons: thin character depth; uneven tone shifts; some scenes feel messy
Themes
- dual identity
- magic
- paranoia
- paranormal phenomena
- witchcraft
- reality vs fantasy
- struggling artist
- scam artist
- disguises
- social allegory
Awards & recognition
- Grand Jury Prize of the Venice Film Festival · 1959
- International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1959 · nominated
Cast & crew
Max von Sydow
as Albert Emanuel Vogler
Ingrid Thulin
as Manda Vogler
Gunnar Björnstrand
as Dr. Vergerus / Minister of Health
Naima Wifstrand
as Granny Vogler
Bengt Ekerot
as Johan Spegel
Bibi Andersson
as Sara Lindqvist
Gertrud Fridh
as Ottilia
Lars Ekborg
as Simson
Toivo Pawlo
as Starbeck
Erland Josephson
as Consul Egerman
Directed by Ingmar Bergman