Ingrid Bergman
The Life, Career and Public Image
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About the Book
Smit studies the woman behind the public image as a natural, wholesome, even saintly person, an image carefully crafted by Bergman’s first producer David O. Selznick. Bergman hid behind that image to live her life on her own terms. That life included three difficult marriages, numerous lovers, and a major scandal that stained her reputation but which she survived by creating her own legend.
Bergman was filled with contradictions: she was dependent upon men and chafed under their control; she loved her children but constantly left them to perform; she longed for romance but walked away from her affairs without looking back; she desired to make great films but settled for being an entertainer; she hated the scrutiny of the media but learned to charm reporters.
The author also assesses Bergman’s artistry—her star qualities and her acting skills. She did her best work in Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious, Roberto Rossellini’s Voyage in Italy, and Ingmar Bergman’s Autumn Sonata. Her life and image were the inspiration for these films in the first place.
About the Author(s)
Bibliographic Details
David Smit
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 252
Bibliographic Info: 5 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2012
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7226-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0059-8
Imprint: McFarland
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vi
Preface 1
PART I: THE IDEA OF A LIFE
1. Ideas About Ingrid Bergman 3
2. The Two Ingrids 15
PART II: OTHER INGRIDS
3. The Studio Creation 41
4. The Existential Heroine 59
5. The Victim of Scandal 82
6. The Legend of Stage and Screen 100
7. The Mistress of the Media 120
PART III: APPRECIATIONS
8. Actor and Star 145
9. The Actor as Auteur 175
EPILOGUE
10. The Art of Dying 211
Chapter Notes 225
Bibliography 235
Index 239
Book Reviews & Awards
- “Offers a fascinating, informed and informative perspective on the life and times of a true Hollywood Legend a welcome contribution”—Midwest Book Review
