Persona • A Conversation with Writer/Director Sophie Barthes • Movies We Like

“I think I could turn into you if I really tried.”Talking About Persona with our guest, writer/director Sophie BarthesOn this episode of Movies We Like, we speak with writer/director Sophie Barthes about one of her favorite films, Ingmar Bergman’s 1966 psychological drama Persona. We also discussed Barthes' own directing career and thoughts on filmmaking.We have an in-depth discussion about Bergman's avant-garde masterpiece Persona, analyzing its dreamlike atmosphere, innovative editing and cinematography, complex characters and themes of identity and psychology. We talk about how the film's shocking opening montage and sparse narrative puts the viewer in an unsettled state of mind. Overall, we find Persona to be an endlessly discussable classic that still feels fresh and boundary-pushing today.We also speak with Barthes about her three feature films - Cold Souls, Madame Bovary, and The Pod Generation. Barthes explains how she often explores themes of consumerism, psychology and identity through different genres and time periods. She shared insights into her creative process, from conceptualizing stories based on her dreams to her highly-stylized production design. Barthes also discussed the challenges of portraying human truths and darkness as a director today versus Bergman's time.Barthes gives thoughtful perspective as both a director and film lover. Her pick certainly leads to a rich discussion about cinematic art today as Persona proves to be a multilayered classic ripe for analysis.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel’s Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel.Check out Sophie’s filmsCold SoulsMadame BovaryThe Pod Generation on Amazon or AppleWatch Persona on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible