A Dream Play Poster

A Dream Play 1963

★ 7.17 votes113 min📅 1963-05-02

Ingmar Bergman's 1963 adaptation of August Strindberg's *A Dream Play* plunges viewers into a surreal, visually poetic exploration of human suffering and fleeting joy.

Director: Ingmar Bergman

Cast

Ingrid Thulin
Ingrid Thulin
Agnes
Uno Henning
Uno Henning
Alfred
Allan Edwall
Allan Edwall
Axel
Olof Widgren
Olof Widgren
Writer
John Elfström
John Elfström
Glazier
Maude Adelson
Maude Adelson
Jörgen Lindström
Jörgen Lindström
Carl Billquist
Carl Billquist
Helena Brodin
Helena Brodin
Tor Isedal
Tor Isedal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Dream Play (1963) about?

This surreal drama follows Agnes, the daughter of the god Indra, as she descends to Earth in human form to witness the struggles and fleeting moments of joy in life. Through a series of dreamlike encounters, she explores the beauty and brutality of existence.

Who directed A Dream Play?

The film was directed by Ingmar Bergman, one of cinema's most celebrated auteurs, known for his introspective and visually striking dramas.

Who stars in A Dream Play?

The film stars Ingrid Thulin, Uno Henning, Allan Edwall, Olof Widgren, and John Elfström in its principal roles.

Is A Dream Play (1963) worth watching?

If you appreciate Bergman's signature blend of psychological depth and surrealism, *A Dream Play* offers a uniquely immersive experience. While it may not be for every viewer, its dreamlike atmosphere and existential themes make it a compelling watch for fans of classic art-house cinema.

How long is A Dream Play?

The film runs for 113 minutes.

About A Dream Play (1963) — Ingmar Bergman's Surreal Masterpiece Explored

Ingmar Bergman's 1963 adaptation of August Strindberg's *A Dream Play* plunges viewers into a surreal, visually poetic exploration of human suffering and fleeting joy. Set in a dreamlike Stockholm, the film follows Agnes, the celestial daughter of Indra, as she descends to Earth to document the stark realities of existence. Through a series of fragmented, emotionally charged vignettes, she encounters prisoners, lovers, and strangers, each scene unfolding with the illogical flow of a dream rather than a traditional narrative. Bergman's masterful direction blends fantasy and drama, creating an atmosphere of haunting beauty and existential reflection.

The cast, led by Ingrid Thulin's ethereal presence, delivers performances that oscillate between raw vulnerability and eerie detachment. With its stark black-and-white cinematography and dream logic, *A Dream Play (1963)* stands as a testament to Bergman's ability to merge the mundane with the mystical, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of wonder and unease.