Alexander's Imagination

Fanny and Alexander takes us on a trip through the childhood of the title characters, mostly centered on Alexander. As a ten to twelve year old boy, we see Alexander deal with more difficult life situations than most adults can imagine trying to get through with their sanity intact. Beginning with what seems like sheer loneliness by Alexander, and continuing through his father’s death, his life going from wealthy to poor, and his mother remarrying a dominant and abusive man, Alexander’s life is similar to a roller coaster. However, Alexander has his imagination to fall back on, and it helps him get through life’s toughest moments. Alexander reminds us all that in spite of any demon we may be facing, there is always a way to mentally escape.

Just a young boy, Alexander is living out his fantasies through his imagination. Rather it is through ridiculous games with his drunken Uncle Carl Ekdahl, absurd stories about an ordinary chair from his father, Oscar Ekdahl, a stone statue coming to life and summoning him over, or from looking into his play slides. Alexander’s imagination is what reveals his most child-like features. By simply looking at still picture slides, illuminated with a light, Alexander can make it all come alive in his head. Alexander views the world as a simple and fun place at this point in the movie, consequently, his biggest concern is simply having fun. Although, Alexander appears to be quite desolate in his youth, his imagination is able to take him places that loneliness has no

When Alexander is taken to Isak’s home, he ostensibly brightens up again and we get a glimpse of his return to happiness. However, the scars left on his generally happy demeanor are ever apparent. Alexander speaks with Isak’s nephew, Aron about wanting the bishop to die, and begs his father’s ghost to have God kill the bishop. We can tell that Alexander is desperately trying to return to his happy boyish ways, but struggles to overcome the grudge he holds against the bishop. While in the home of Isak, Alexander learns of dark magic and we see a slightly demented side of him begin to emerge. Although Bergman doesn’t have Alexander outright say it, he appears to be happily relieved by the bishop’s