Master director Ingmar Bergman's hypnotic, avant garde composition is cinema on the nature of cinema. A challenging enigma, still discussed over 50 years later, and so seminal that this is the type of art film that comes to mind when people think of the stereotypical art film. From it's brilliant opening montage showing the conception of film with the projector's parts mimicking the human reproductive system, giving birth to light, shadows, and illusions, a reel of film running, and it's organic emotional product, a boy breaking the fourth-wall by touching the screen, images of life and death, and the manipulative spider walking across the glaring white background. The psychologically charged main story involves an actress who suddenly becomes mute and the talkative, caring nurse with whom she shares a secluded beach house during recovery. Their unique personalities and relationship leads to shocking confessions, strange dreamlike night visits (one of the most iconic images in cinema), and a disturbing melding of identity that lead to resentment and conflict.The film constantly reminds us this is a film and is in control, both a view of a filmmaker's psyche and a mirror, as when the actress takes a picture of us, or when tension becomes so intense the film literally burns and melts. Legendary cinematographer Sven Nykvist's use of starkness, white fade outs, and Bergman trademark close ups of hands and the all important face is done with expertise. This is Bergman's most revolutionary work, but just one of his many masterpieces. The Criterion Blu ray/DVD set comes with a great amount of documentaries, interviews, and superb essays. A film difficult to describe, and an experience difficult to forget.