Himadri

Bergman knew this was going to be his last film, and I can only imagine that he intended it as a sort of summary of his cinematic career: this film covers everything - joyous celebration and high comedy to stark austerity and tragedy; and, finally, a mysterious, dream-like final act reminiscent of the later plays of Strindberg. Yet it never appears episodic: it is all effortlessly contained in this huge, magnificent film.

In the end, this is a celebration of the magic of cinema: one comes away exhilarated at the sheer range of what cinema - in the hands of a master - may be capable of. It is a monumental achievement.

"The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James is far and away the best and most frightening ghost story I've ever read, and this magnificent film does it justice. The script, direction, performances, and, of course, Freddie Francis' wonderful black-and-white cinematography, are absolutely first rate. All combine to make this the most terrifying film I've ever seen - with not a special effect in sight!