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nScandinavian Film essay:

nComparison and Contrast between “The Parsons Widow” and “The Bride of Glomdal”

nDifferences

nThe comedy “The Parsons Widow” by Carl Dreyer shows a tale of two young lovers, Sofren and Mari. Sofren is a young theologian who intends to marry his fiancée, Mari but decides to seek parsonage in a village that needs a pastor. He acquires parsonage but according to the village tradition, he must marry the elderly widow of the former parson. Therefore, he marries Dame Margarete (Dreyer). Moreover, he lies that Mari is her sister and she is allowed to stay with her in their new home. Indeed, Sofren and Mari want to wait the death of the old woman so that they can wed. Finally, after the death of Margarete they become a couple.

nContrary, the film “The Bride of Glomdal” is a romantic film showing the life of a young man, falling in love with young woman, from wealthy family. Tore is a poor farmers son who loves Berit – a daughter of a rich proprietor. She refuses to marry Gjerund who she is promised because she does not love him. Berit is injured when she falls from her horse when running away from her parents. Tores parents nurses Berit until she recovers and the two families reconcile through a local parson. Gjerund tries to revenge on Tore and is determined to prevent their wedding. Finally, the two young lovers succeed to marry (Dreyer).

nSimilarities

nDreyer in the “The Parsons Widow” and in “The Bride of Glomdal” uses a rural tradition. Both comedies are firmly rooted in the tradition of the Norwegians. Dreyer applies old customs to create attention from a small society where old ways are still applicable that affects peoples lifestyles. The ways of life are determined by tradition passed on from generations. The films are set in the countryside, which portrays the natural beauty of landscape and waterfalls. Both comedies portray the local dance and celebrations. Dreyer appreciate the countryside rituals based on the old traditions (Dreyer).

nHe uses the setting for a wide broad comic set piece. In “The Parsons Widow”, Sofren acts as a ghost in order to scare away the Margarete, by dressing like a devil and a frightening face with horns. He creates humor when he thinks that he is seducing his lover Mari when he is mistakenly making lovely gestures to the old woman. When he is competing for a parsons job, he puts a feather on his head to create jokes and laughter from the parishioners (Dreyer).

nSimilarly, Dreyer uses comedic scenes in the “Bride of Glomdal” by combining interesting climax of torrential river. Moreover, both films uses expressive nature of landscape tailored with emotional effects. The two movies use humor but “The bride of Glomdal” uses lyricism throughout the comedy (Dreyer).

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nWork cited

nDreyer C,. ‘The Witch Woman Aka The Parson’s Widow’. YouTube. N.p., 2014. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.

nDreyer C. ‘Glomdalsbruden (1926)’. YouTube. N.p., 2014. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.