Dreyer's "The Parson's Widow": An Overlooked Film?

Claus H. · Post by **Claus H.** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 9:25 am

Having just seen "Ordet" again last night, I found that Netflix had "TPW" available for streaming, so I watched, and I was amazed.

In addition to being a Dreyer film with actual humor in it, the film struck me as quite special:

The strong feminist tone in it, with the widow taking no guff from our 'hero' (and this is after all set in a small Norwegian community dominated by men.)

One of the great silent performances by Hildur Carlberg as the widow; her underplaying (and character transformation) give her scenes an almost contemporary feel. I wish her other handful of films were available for comparison.

The straightforward callousness of the young couple in their plans involving the widow. The moralizing is kept to a minimum here.

I would not describe the film as a 'comedy' as has been done. Carlberg's widow adds an increasingly sad and appropriate heft to the story as it goes along, and really drives the latter part of the film.

Altogether, an unexpected treat that I may well have to get on DVD; to me, it stands out both for its approach and for the subtlety of its acting.

LouieD · Post by **LouieD** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 11:49 am

Excellent movie and certainly one that deserves a wider audience.

FrankFay · Post by **FrankFay** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:45 pm

It is rather charming- not exactly a Comedy but with a few comic touches and a general lightness of tone, providing greater contrast to the end. Dreyer isn't entirely immune to humor- Master of the House builds up to a good laugh when the nasty husband finds his Mother has taken over the house- but overt jokes pretty much vanish by his sound films.

spadeneal · Post by **spadeneal** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:58 am

FrankFay wrote:It is rather charming- not exactly a Comedy but with a few comic touches and a general lightness of tone, providing greater contrast to the end. Dreyer isn't entirely immune to humor- Master of the House builds up to a good laugh when the nasty husband finds his Mother has taken over the house- but overt jokes pretty much vanish by his sound films.

De naede vaergen ("They Caught The Ferry" 1948) has a kind of a grim humor along with its rather pietistic take on highway safety. The opening sequence I think is stunning:

http://www.dfi.dk/FaktaOmFilm/Carl-Th-D ... lm.aspx#de

There's no English titles, but you don't need them. There are also other silent clips on this page if you care to browse.

spadeneal

FrankFay · Post by **FrankFay** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 7:39 am

Oh yes- that creepy man is definitely enjoying his little joke- and the title is a pun!