THE NEW LAND
Sweden, 1973, 155 minutes, Colour.
Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Eddie Axeberg, Alan Edwall, Per Oscarsson.
Directed and edited by Jan Troell.
The New Land is the continuation of The Emigrants, the Swedish classic of life in rural Sweden in the early nineteenth century and the migration to North America, the Swedish settlements of Minnesota. The New Land traces their settling from 1850 to 1862. Some elaborate sections of the film concern Robert's journey with Arvid (whom we liked in - The Emigrants) to California, and rather low-key but violent Sioux massacre of some of the settlers and the mass execution of some of the Indians.
Jan Troell was responsible for the principal aspects of the film, which is extraordinarily beautiful and, in its pace and moods, fully absorbs its audience. The acting is magnificent. Liv Ullmann is superb in her characterisation of Kristina. Max Von Sydow is, of course, also excellent. After - The New Land -Troell made a western, Zandy's Bride, with Liv Ullman, Gene Hackman, Eileen Heckhart.
1. The first part of the saga was called after the people. The Emigrants. The title now focuses on the land itself. Is this the emphasis of the film?
2. How does the land appear as a character in the film? What does the new land offer the emigrants - freedom, a future? What comparison is made by the settlers with the old country?
3. How interesting a saga of the Nillson family was the film? For Swedish audiences, understanding of migration? For American audiences to understand the settling of their land?
4. Comment on the effectiveness of Troell's cinema style - visual beauty and colour, the seasons, landscapes, use of close-ups and non-verbal expression, use of short episodic sequences which suggest much without elaboration.
5. Were the Nillson's happy in Minnesota? Why?
6. The childbirth sequence and the baptism? Ulrika and Daniel? Ulrika's friendship with Kristina (and what it meant to Kristina), her marriage, change of denomination?
7. Robert's story and its contribution to the film? The friendship of Robert and Arvid? Leaving Karl-Oscar?, technique of flashbacks? Robert’s dream - what did it reveal about himself, about Arvid, hardships, the New Land? What emotional impact did all this have?
8. The emigrants and religion - Karl Oscar's lack of belief, visit of the minister and Communion service, condemnation of Ulrika, building of the Church with Karl Oscar on the board? Kristina's devoutness and finally leaving her health to providence?
9. The Indians in the new land - conversation about ownership of land, stolen from the Indians? The Sioux war, massacre at Uncle Daniel’s, executions?
10. The Civil War - Americanisation of the emigrants?
11. How did Karl Oscar and Kristina grow together through the years? The danger to Kristina's life? Should she have trusted so much to God? How moving was the filming of Kristina's death? How impressive was Liv Ullman's portrayal of Kristina?
12. The effect of the epilogue about Karl Oscar? Suggestions of old age, loneliness, death, grandchildren, the forgotten Swedish language?
13. How valuable is a film like this for insight into human nature, man and nature, challenge, response to life? For Swedish audiences, Americans, world audiences?
