theatricality

The Virgin Spring (Jungfrukällan) (1960)
4 Stars
Directed by Ingmar Bergman
Starring Max von Sydow

It is theatrical, not in the sense of being an unthinking filming of a stage play, but in the sense of having heightened emotions, chiaroscuro lighting, and a stark story that serves as mere backdrop for artistic expression. Based on a legend, this movie is mythic not only in content, but in its effect on this viewer. Judged by my usual standards, this one is probably 3 stars. But when I see a good movie in a genre I normally hate (in this case artsy-fartsy films), I have a special fondness for it, and recommend it.