Gertrud
Line up: Carl Th. Dreyer | 1964 | Denmark | 115’ | EN subtitles

The final film of the legendary Danish filmmaker brings the ultimate focus on themes such as human integrity, total devotion to ideals and tragic isolation, all of which he pursued throughout his entire career. Gertrud is based on the Hjalmar Söderberg’s play from the year 1906 but here Dreyer transforms the story leaning more into an abstract contemplation on love and tragedies intertwined with it. 

Main protagonist, Gertrud is strong and resilient, she stands behind her beliefs and defends them in an underterred manner. For her, the only love that truly exists is the absolute form of it, and she will accept nothing less under any circumstances, no matter the cost. This unwavering conviction elevates her beyond a conventional romantic figure, positioning her instead as a philosophical embodiment of idealism in conflict with the limitations of our reality.

Dreyer’s characteristic style of long shots and purified visual language creates the ambiance that feels theatrical and dignified. Consisting of only 89 shots this film brings the viewers in and where attention is drawn to the rhythm of dialogue, the weight of silence, and the emotional tension between characters rather than to action or visual spectacle.

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