In five essays, Marion Löhndorf illuminates Ingmar Bergman's great themes: search, artist, faith, and relationships, as well as the close entwinement between his life and work. Contemporary reviews document the diversity and vitality of the Swedish, German, and English-language reception of this remarkable director, and the enormous impact of an oeuvre in which Bergman repeatedly fell back on a seasoned team of artists and technicians. The principle of continuity also played a major role in his choice of subject matter. Bergman's oeuvre can be viewed as an integrated project--a unique cinematic tapestry composed of self-referential quotes, reflections and. The book also contains a comprehensive filmography, as well as rare film stills and behind-the-scenes photos.