Faithless

We've grown so accustomed to the "glamorized" Hollywood depiction of infidelity that when a more realistic portrait of that subject, such as "Faithless," comes along, it stings with a force approximate to a sharp slap in the face.

Perhaps what's even more surprising about this meditative drama is just how frank it is, considering its backstory.

"Faithless" was written by legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, who's spending his twilight years reliving his past cinematically, though a series of autobiographical works.

As with the 1997 drama "Private Confessions," he re-teams here with his favorite star, actress Liv Ullmann, who directs from his script. That's the next best thing to Bergman directing himself, since Ullmann's style echoes his and here includes several of his trademark scene-stagings.

For those who are unaccustomed to Bergman's rather existential storytelling methods, the pacing might seem a bit slow, the material somewhat slight. But on further reflection, there's a real emotional heft to it, and the performances are superb.

The film begins rather enigmatically, as a series of conversation between an elderly writer named Bergman (Erland Josephson, another veteran Bergman favorite) and a woman he calls Marianne (Lena Endre).

It's possible that Marianne may be imaginary, or that she is some sort of muse — one aiding him as he attempts to chronicle a particularly painful and shameful incident from his past. For now, Bergman isn't disclosing what his exact role in the tragedy was, only that it relates to an affair between the real Marianne and her emotionally tempestuous friend David (Krister Henriksson).

Despite the fact that both of them are married, the two carry on their affair — though it destroys his marriage and threatens to take its toll on her conductor husband Markus (Thomas Hanzon, from "Private Confessions") and their young daughter, Isabelle (Michelle Gylemo).

It's possible to see some parallels between moments in this movie and some of Bergman's classics, including "The Hour of the Wolf," "Scenes from a Marriage" and "Face to Face." And cinematographer Jorgen Persson's camera work is very reminiscent of Bergman collaborator Sven Nykvist.

But as director, Ullmann also brings a less aloof, more emotional approach to the material, which benefits the actors, especially Endre. Though the entire cast is good, her work stands out, as she turns in a very brave performance — one that requires a full range of emotions, as well as a measure of composure that would be difficult for many less skilled actresses.

"Faithless" is rated R for scattered strong profanity and frank sex talk, brief full female nudity, a brief sex scene and brief violence (slapping). Running time: 142 minutes.

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