Powerful images, splendid performances and a strong thematic core struggle (and occasionally succeed wonderfully) to not get drowned out by long-winded dialogue. It feels like Bergman is at his best when he lets the scenes play out without explanations, monologues or too much talking. At the same time, there's times when the dialogue (no doubt aided by some monumental acting) comes through like no cinematic shot could have. Other times, the spelling out of themes and character motivations almost strip…
