Winter Light

Winter Light

Tomas Ericsson, Pastor

Karin Persson

Jonas Persson

Algot Frövik, Sexton

Knut Aronsson, Warden

Fredrik Blom, Organist

Magdalena Ledfors, Widow

Young boy (uncredited)

Johan Strand, Schoolboy (uncredited)

Johan Åkerblom, Homesteader

Parish Constable (uncredited)

Persson's daughter (uncredited)

Persson's son (uncredited)

Gentleman with Horse (uncredited)

Hanna Appelblad, Baker with Daughter (uncredited)

Young boy (uncredited)

A considerable amount of the scenes had to be re-shot due to technical problems with sound and film stock.

When she saw the completed film, Ingmar Bergman's then wife Kabi Laretei said, "Yes, Ingmar, it's a masterpiece. But it's a dreary masterpiece."

Märta's near-sightedness is mentioned in the dialogue when she says that without her glasses, Tomas appears fuzzy to her. He even counts her nearsightedness as one of the things he hates about her. But the lenses she wears appear to be of clear glass.

In the vestry (or office) to the side of the church, as Tomas realises that he believes life is more understandable without the presence of God, the light through the window behind him intensifies. Assuming the church building has an east-west orientation (as churches tend to do), the light is coming from a northerly direction. Yet, when he later re-enters the church proper (and collapses by the altar rail), the sun is clearly visible, low in the sky, through the window at the opposite (southern) side of the building.

When Thomas leaves to go to the suicide scene Marta's car is parked nearby. She follows him in her car. They leave the suicide scene in her car and his is never seen again.

Märta Lundberg, Schoolteacher: God, why have you created me so eternally dissatisfied? So frightened, so bitter? Why must I realize how wretched I am? Why must I suffer so hellishly for my insignificance? If there is a purpose to my suffering, then tell me, so I can bear my pain without complaint. I'm strong. You made me so very strong in both body and soul, but you never give me a task worthy of my strength. Give my life meaning, and I'll be your obedient slave.

Algot Frövik, Sexton: The passion of Christ, his suffering... Wouldn't you say the focus on his suffering is all wrong?