The Magician

Ingmar Bergmans The Magician (Ansiktet) is an engaging, brilliantly conceived tale of deceit from one of cinemas premier illusionists. Max von Sydow stars as Dr. Vogler, a nineteenthcentury traveling mesmerist and peddler of potions whose magic is put to the test in Stockholm by the cruel, eminently rational royal medical adviser Dr. Vergérus. The result is a diabolically clever battle of wits thats both frightening and funny, shot in rich, gorgeously gothic black and white.