Review of The Rite

Having seen all of his films, this was the last on the list. Sadly, I found it lacking. It feels more like a play and a constricted one at that. The content being affected by location restrictions and budget. Essentially it's simply four characters in one setting interacting. Sometimes just two of the characters, others all four. Having this tight restraint has led to experimentations in the script, which this time, has pushed any sense of realism out the window, unlike many of his others films involving relationships. Of course he can make quality surrealistic films like the Seventh Seal but this feels forced and contrived. It's an experiment, in a capacity (television) that he was not that familiar with at the time. The concept of the separate Scenes is a good one, (and the only way to change to essentially the same setting with a different combination of characters) but it's all over the top and frankly, a bit ridiculous. Some of the Scenes work better than others, such as when the couple are in the dressing room after the show and she's having an emotional meltdown. This is more familiar male/female Bergman territory and it works. Not so, the rest. Naturally others may feel differently but with so many masterpieces and quality films in his career, this is one that doesn't make the grade. A worthy experiment but not surprised he moved back to features after this.