Reading about the lives of celebrities, especially actors, has become a recent trend for me. Donald Spoto has penned several such works. They are not only profound and rich in detail but also an easy and enjoyable read. The footnotes are present, yet they don't hinder your reading pace.

Here is the biography of Ingrid Bergman. She is, of course, a prominent figure in many classic movies, sharing the screen with stars such as Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Gregory Peck, Gary Cooper, Charles Boyer, and working with directors like Alfred Hitchcock.

She always dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her career, sometimes at the expense of her children or husband. However, she was an amazing woman. She made films in five different languages and remained strong until the end when cancer claimed her life.

This book is just too cheesy for my liking.

There is a distinct lack of new information about Ingrid Bergman within its pages.

In fact, a significant portion of the book seems to be filled with speculations and hasty conclusions rather than solid, real facts.

Moreover, it leans too much towards the personal side. It doesn't really feel like a proper biography but more like a proclamation of love for Ms. Bergman.

While I can understand this sentiment as I myself am a devoted Ingrid Bergman fan and feel the same way,

the author, Spoto, really should have adhered more closely to the facts and perhaps given his imagination a break.

It took me an incredibly long time to get through this book, which was quite a disappointment considering my enthusiasm for the subject matter.

Overall, it had the potential to be a great work but unfortunately fell short in several aspects.

It's truly inspiring.

We often come across stories and experiences that have the power to move us deeply and ignite a spark within. These moments of inspiration can come from various sources, such as the achievements of others, acts of kindness, or even our own personal growth.

When we are inspired, it gives us a sense of motivation and purpose. It makes us believe that we too can accomplish great things and make a positive impact in the world.

Inspiration has the ability to break through our limitations and push us to reach for the impossible. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks.

We should always be open to these inspiring moments and let them guide us on our journey of life. By doing so, we can discover our true potential and create a life that is filled with meaning and fulfillment.

Five stars for the topic, detail, and subtle support of feminism.

It is truly remarkable how the article delves into the subject matter with such precision and nuance. The author's exploration of feminism is both thought-provoking and engaging, offering valuable insights into the movement.

However, I cannot help but feel that the last ten or so years of her life received short shrift. It seems that this crucial period was perhaps overlooked or not given the attention it deserved.

Given the significance of her life and work, it would have been interesting to see a more in-depth examination of this final chapter.

Nonetheless, the overall quality of the article is outstanding, and it serves as a testament to the importance of feminism and the need for continued discussion and analysis.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Well written and definitely the actress of her era!

Ingrid Bergman was truly a remarkable figure. After watching nearly all of her movies, it becomes a fascinating endeavor to uncover the stories that lie behind the filming of each one. Bergman was no stranger to scandal, and delving into the full account of her ill-fated love affairs and marriages provides a deeper understanding of her life. Despite the tragedies and misjudgments that she endured, one cannot help but admire her even more for her greatness and professionalism. Her talent shone through in every role, and her ability to bring characters to life on the screen was truly extraordinary. She was a pioneer in the world of cinema and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and actresses.

I think she was a great actor.

Her talent shone through in every role she played.

She had the ability to bring the characters to life and make the audience truly connect with them.

Not only was she a great actor, but I also loved her movies.

Each one was unique and captivating, with a story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The way she interacted with the other actors and the chemistry between them was palpable.

Her movies were not just entertainment, but also works of art.

I will always remember her as one of the greatest actors of our time and will continue to watch her movies for years to come.

Notorious: The Life of Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman's life was truly remarkable.

She was an incredibly talented individual, proficient in five languages, which gave her a unique advantage in the international film industry.

What's more, she showcased her musical prowess by playing the piano like a professional in two pictures, adding yet another dimension to her already extensive skill set.

She was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of all time, her performances captivating audiences around the world.

However, her personal life was not without controversy. Her divorces, multiple marriages, and the decision to abandon her children in order to pursue her acting career drew criticism.

Yet, in the end, she was forgiven, perhaps because people recognized that her passion for acting was her life.

Whether it was comedy or drama, Ingrid Bergman could do it all with equal aplomb. Her talent and dedication continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers today.

It seems this is precisely what Spoto does.

This approach was indeed rather good and it provided a great deal of assistance towards understanding the lady.

By engaging in this particular activity or behavior, Spoto was able to gain valuable insights into the lady's character, motives, and perhaps even her past experiences.

It's possible that through this process, Spoto was able to pick up on subtle cues, body language, or nuances in the lady's speech that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

This enhanced understanding could then potentially lead to more effective communication, better decision-making, or a deeper connection with the lady.

Overall, it appears that Spoto's actions were not only beneficial but also played an important role in furthering his understanding of the lady in question.

I have never been a huge Ingrid Bergman fan.

However, her life story was an interesting read.

She was an immensely talented and extremely smart individual.

In her theater and film career, she achieved an extraordinary feat by mastering text in no fewer than five languages: Swedish, English, German, Italian, and French.

She not only learned these languages but also had the ability to perform in plays in each one.

Just imagine the level of dedication and skill required to memorize entire scripts and then perform live in five different languages!

It is truly remarkable and a testament to her incredible talent and hard work.

Ingrid Bergman's achievements in the world of theater and film are an inspiration to many.

Her story shows that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve great things.

Although I may not have been a die-hard fan before, learning about her life has given me a newfound respect for her as an artist.

This just concluded year marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ingrid Bergman, an iconic figure in Hollywood's history. Donald Spoto, a biographer well-versed in chronicling the lives of those in the entertainment industry, chose "Notorious" as the title of his work on Bergman. This film is not only one of her greatest masterpieces but also serves Spoto's purpose in another aspect. For a time, Bergman was among the most reviled figures in America.

She was born in Sweden in 1915 and became an orphan at an early age, raised by her aunts. One of her aunts was German and an ardent Nazi. Bergman attended drama school and achieved almost instant success. She became a star of Swedish films, and one of them, "Intermezzo," became a hit in the U.S., catching the attention of producer David O. Selznick, who signed her to a contract.

While reading this section, one cannot help but be reminded of the past. Selznick had exclusive rights to Bergman. He could loan her out to other studios, but she could only work when and as he said. Additionally, Bergman had married a dentist, Petter Lindstrom, who negotiated all her business dealings. She had virtually no say in her career.

During the 1940s, Bergman became a superstar. Of course, there was "Casablanca." She wrote to a friend, saying, "The picture is called Casablanca and I really don't know what it's all about." Despite the film's unprecedented success, Bergman did not enjoy making it. She was miserable throughout the entire production, and no one could have predicted that the film would become one of the most popular and enduring in American history.

Other hits of that decade included "Gaslight," for which she won an Academy Award, "The Bells of St. Mary's," in which she played a nun, "Spellbound," and the aforementioned "Notorious," which Spoto concludes is her greatest film. At this time, Bergman was the least controversial and most beloved celebrity in America. Indeed, the entire Western world was eager to add her name to the list of those most idolized and honored.

However, Bergman's marriage to Lindstrom had deteriorated, mostly due to separation and their separate lives. She had affairs with photographer Robert Capa and musician Larry Adler. One day, she saw "Rome: Open City" and was so impressed that she wrote to Roberto Rossellini, offering her services as an actress. He was eager to work with her. A few years later, she left Lindstrom and her daughter, Pia, to be with Rossellini and bore him an illegitimate child. The reaction in America was disastrous. She was denounced by legions of people, and even pilloried on the floor of the U.S. Congress. Her career in Hollywood seemed to be over.

She made films with Rossellini and had twin daughters with him. She also did a lot of stage work in Europe, and slowly, attitudes towards her changed. She was approached to do a film about Anastasia, and by the time the film was released, all was forgiven, and she won another Oscar.

Eventually, her romance and marriage with Rossellini, who was jealous and a brute, came to an end. But she had one more marriage and several more triumphs as an actress, including working with Ingmar Bergman in "Autumn Sonata" and her last role in a television movie as Golda Meir. By this time, she was ravaged by cancer, as she was a heavy smoker.

Bergman died in 1982, on her 67th birthday. Spoto notes that she had led a good life, appearing in forty-six movies in seven countries and five languages, making eleven stage and five television appearances, and winning every kind of prize her craft bestowed. From the golden girl of Stockholm's stage and screen to the ill and wizened Golda Meir, it is difficult to explain the sheer radiance of Ingrid Bergman or her profound artistry.

Spoto tries to do just that. It is clear that he is enamored of Bergman, sometimes perhaps a little too much. He inserts his opinions frequently and goes on at length about how terrible he thinks "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is. However, there is a delight in his scathing criticism of the morality police who condemned Bergman. He does get to the heart of Bergman's gifts, stating that her greatness came not from academic analysis or psychological examination but from her rare gift of empathetic and imaginative awareness.

If that weren't enough, Spoto cites numerous instances in which Bergman acted as a perfect lady, not putting on airs, relatable, approachable, and what might best be described as a good person. She was undoubtedly a great performer, and it is nice to know that she was also a good, albeit flawed, individual.

A little bit pretentious, but still very well written. Maybe a bit dry.

This description seems to capture a certain essence. On one hand, the hint of pretentiousness might suggest that the piece is trying a bit too hard to come across as sophisticated or intellectual. However, the fact that it is well written cannot be ignored. The author likely has a good command of the language and is able to construct sentences and paragraphs in a coherent and engaging manner.

The dryness, on the other hand, could be a result of the subject matter or the writing style. It might lack the emotional depth or vividness that would make it more captivating to the reader. But perhaps this is intentional, as the author may be aiming for a more cerebral or analytical approach.

Overall, while this description may not be entirely flattering, it does acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of the writing. It leaves room for improvement, but also gives credit to the author's skills and abilities.

The book is filled with beautiful pictures throughout, even on the cover.

It places a great deal of emphasis on the early years, particularly highlighting all the losses of loved ones. However, it then seems to rush through the rest of her life.

I had hoped for more in-depth exploration of the middle years and the later years.

It would have been interesting to learn more about how she coped with those losses and how they shaped her as a person in the subsequent decades.

Perhaps there were significant events or personal growth that occurred during those times that could have been elaborated on.

Overall, while the early years are well-covered, the lack of detail in the middle and later years leaves the reader longing for a more complete picture of her life journey.