Foxx

Sjöbergs best movie. And perhaps the most beautiful Swedish film since Stillers "Herr Arnes Pengar". It's fascinating how Sjöberg captures the different time-levels without interrupting the flow. A true masterpiece and one of few Swedish films that measures up to Bergmans best work in the 50s.

I saw this highly improvised TV-series when I was about 8 years old, and I just couldn't forget about it. It had an enormous impact on me at the time. Sure you can argue that the story is banal and that the acting is amateuristic, but then you're missing the point. Pure cult!

Hasse Ekman had already established himself as the leading director at the time (before Bergman) but the leading role as the sadistic Hugo Stenbrott also established him as a gifted actor. Ingmar Bergman was impressed an gave Ekman one of the parts in "Gycklarnas afton", 1953. Eva Henning (Ekmans wife in real life as well) gives a striking performance as the lovesick Vica.

A frightening peak into the world of the upper-class, where the devil hides under a polished surface. Almost a masterpiece! **** (out of five)