The Silence story
The Silence (Swedish: Tystnaden) is a 1963 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman and starring Ingrid Thulin and Gunnel Lindblom. The plot focuses on two sisters, the younger a sensuous woman with a young son, the elder more intellectually oriented and seriously ill, and their tense relationship as they travel toward home through a fictional Central European country on the brink of war.
13 total · 2 choice · 8 major · 3 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| sibling rivalry | choice | Anna plotted and schemed to assert herself morally against her older sister Esther, of whom she had been afraid and who she thought was too controlling |
| sister and sister | choice | Esther and Anna |
| attitude of superiority | major | the notably more erudite Esther was accused by Anna of being condescending and bossy; Esther sometimes displayed the sentiment of moral superiority, albeit not without cause |
| aunt and nephew | major | Esther and Johan |
| coping with a loved one being gravely ill | major | Anna seemed remarkably indifferent, even belligerent, as her sister struggled with an undoubtedly deadly affliction. Johan was slightly concerned, but too young to understand. |
| coping with a terminal illness | major | Esther was coughing up blood and believed death was not far away |
| facing death | major | Esther was coughing up blood and believed death was not far away |
| female sexuality | major | Esther was remarkably forward and talked about her feelings to some extent; Esther explained her loathing of sexual contact |
| hatred | major | Anna professed hatred of Esther and accused Esther of hating all and everything |
| mother and son | major | Anna and Johan |