Skarsgård Slams Bergman’s Nazi Sympathies

Stellan Skarsgård didn’t mince words regarding his feelings about the late director Ingmar Bergman, revealing personal dislike and bringing up the director’s past Nazi sympathies. The actor’s comments have ignited debate about separating art from the artist.

Skarsgård’s Criticism

Speaking at the Karlovy Vary film festival in the Czech Republic, Skarsgård, who worked with Bergman on a 1986 stage production, called him manipulative. He added, He was a Nazi during the war and the only person I know who cried when Hitler died.

Skarsgård, promoting Joachim Trier’s film Sentimental Value, which was inspired by the Swedish director, didn’t hold back. He told Variety that Bergman had a very weird outlook on other people. [He thought] some people were not worthy… He wasn’t nice.

Bergman’s Acknowledged Past

Ingmar Bergman, who died in 2007, had previously spoken about harboring Nazi sympathies during his youth. In 1999, he told Maria-Pia Boëthius that he had positive feelings for Hitler after attending a Nazi rally in Germany when he was 16, saying, Hitler was unbelievably charismatic. He electrified the crowd.

In his 1987 memoir, The Magic Lantern, Bergman wrote, For many years, I was on Hitler’s side, delighted by his success and saddened by his defeats. He claimed his views changed after the exposure of Nazi atrocities. According to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, at least six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis during World War II.

Previous Remarks

This isn’t the first time Skarsgård has voiced his criticism of Bergman. In a 2012 interview, he stated, I didn’t want him near my life. He has clarified that his complicated relationship stemmed from Bergman not being a very nice guy, even though he acknowledged him as a great director.

Looking Ahead

Sentimental Value, the film Skarsgård was promoting, has already garnered positive attention, premiering to rave reviews at the Cannes film festival. It is anticipated to be a contender for awards later in the year.