This is an extremely engaging biography that skillfully leads the reader through the remarkable career of Bergman. It not only delves into her professional achievements but also explores the complex web of marriages and romances that intertwined with her life. Spoto presents a balanced perspective, being sympathetic towards Bergman without crossing the line into sycophancy (for the most part). His evaluations of her work are in line with the general critical consensus. For instance, he deems For Whom the Bell Tolls as a less successful endeavor, while Autumn Sonata is regarded as a triumph. If you find yourself completely unfamiliar with Bergman and her body of work, this biography serves as an excellent starting point. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to one of the most iconic figures in the history of cinema.
A light read that is easily and pleasantly digestible in the evenings after long days of arduous work. The reader is gently ferried down the stream of the life of an Ingrid Bergman who seems to be flawless. Although the final few chapters verge on being almost unbearably sentimental, and one might half expect Spoto to include a petition to canonize Bergman as a saint, Notorious does not overly tax the brain. Instead, it even manages to kindle an interest in a significant amount of otherwise unheard-of cinematography.
I believe I was inspired to pick up this book after completely missing an Ingrid Bergman retrospective at my local independent cinema. Chief among the films shown were Gaslight and Autumn Sonata. I look forward to the next opportunity to explore more of her works. Until then!