janus

Tom Snyder Interviews Ingmar Bergman

Tom Snyder: ...and we're back with noted film and movie director Ingmar Bergman. Ingmar, I have to ask: are you related to the legendary Ingrid Bergman?

Ingmar Bergman: No.

Snyder: Are you sure? You both work in the old Hollywood dream factory up on the hill. Tinselville.

Bergman: We're not related.

Snyder: Great. Great stuff. So let's talk about your movies. Your first big hit was Wild Star Barry. Sounds pretty racy.

Bergman: "Strawberries."

Snyder: My mistake. Do you like strawberries? Are they your favorite berry?

Bergman: I enjoy strawberries to some extent.

Snyder: What was it like growing up with your famous sister Ingrid? Is that what inspired you to make Fanny Alexander?

Bergman: [pause] No.

Snyder: Tell us about The Seventh Seal. It says here it was your break-up movie.

Bergman: "Breakthrough?"

Snyder: I guess so. It says "break-up" on my card. Anyway, it's about chess. Do you play a lot of chess?

Bergman: I'm really more interested in it as a metaphor for man's struggle to--

Snyder: You know what's an underrated chess movie? Over the Top.

Bergman: Isn't that about arm wrestling?

Snyder: How long have you been a fan of arm wrestling?

Bergman: I'm not. I mean, I thought you--

Snyder: I can't wait for your film about arm wrestling. Let's just hope it's in color. You know they make pictures in color now?

Bergman: Yes. I shot Cries & Whispers in color.

Snyder: Cries & Whispers. Of course. Let's talk about that film. Which do you prefer, crying or whispering?

Bergman: They're not really equivalent. The film was about family and--

Snyder: I'm more of a talker than a whisperer. That's why I'm on TV. But I don't have to tell you that. Speaking of TV, you must have enjoyed working with Tracey Ullman. I met her once and she made me laugh so hard I thought I'd hurt myself.

Bergman: I've made many films with Liv Ullman.

Snyder: All those characters she does. And of course The Simpsons. [laughs] What is it Bart says? "Cow or bungle"? The kids love it. What inspired you to make 8 1/2?

Bergman: I did not make 8 1/2.

Snyder: I understand. Film is a collaborative art. You have to work with a stable of creative talent to get a movie made. It's the same way in television. But I don't have to tell you that, you've been arm wrestling for years. [pause] Ingmar Bergman, director of Person A and Smile, It's a Summer Night. His new movie is Cries & Whiskers. Thank you for joining us tonight.

Bergman: You're welcome.

Snyder: We'll be back with more after this.

(This interview was conducted in English, with Bergman's answers translated from Swedish, probably by Bill Walsh.)

manhattan nocturne

Dear Employees and Readers of The Wall Street Journal,

There have been a lot of rumors circulating regarding Rupert Murdoch's plans for The Wall Street Journal. In order to clear up some of the negative misconceptions regarding Mr. Murdoch and his publishing empire, we've prepared the following list of myths and facts about what's in store for the WSJ.

MYTH: Page 2 of The Wall Street Journal will feature pointillist pencil drawings of topless women.
FACT: There will never be images of topless women in The Wall Street Journal! Page 2 will be eliminated to save costs. The front page will be immediately followed by page 3.

MYTH: The entire newspaper will become a mouthpiece for Rupert Murdoch's right wing beliefs.
FACT: Readers will notice very few changes. The editorial section will remain unchanged. Only the news section will undergo changes to bring it inline with Rupert Murdoch's opinions.

MYTH: Rupert Murdoch will put profits ahead of quality when making decisions.
FACT: Rupert Murdoch is too busy to engage in decision-making at such a low level. He will hire a staff to put profit ahead of quality when making decisions.

MYTH: Rupert Murdoch will eat my baby.
FACT: Although he is originally from Australia, Rupert Murdoch is not, in fact, a blood-thirsty dingo like the animals featured in the film A Cry in the Dark. If Rupert Murdoch wants your baby, he will buy it in a civilized manner.

MYTH: That's not a knife.
FACT: That's a knife.

MYTH: Rupert Murdoch will turn The Wall Street Journal into a print version of his Fox News television network.
FACT: It would be impossible to capture the excitement and immediacy of Fox News in a daily newspaper. Unless that paper is the unrivaled New York Post! The Big Apple's favorite daily paper! Only $.25 at newsstands! The Wall Street Journal will become your favorite free 8-page daily distributed outside subway stations.

you know, i don't think he's a very good doctor

Your Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
--Addendum 7/2/2007

Q: My current doctor was arrested for participating in a terror plot, but I have already switched primary care physicians once this year. If I switch to a doctor who is not part of a terror conspiracy, will the normal fee be waived?
A: No.

Q: In the next 24 hours, I am scheduled for treatment or a check-up with a doctor who has been arrested for participating in a terror plot. Do I need to cancel the appointment?
A: Yes, you must cancel your appointment. Other employees in the doctor's office may not have been arrested. You will be charged 25% of your copay for failing to cancel 72 hours in advance.

Q: I was injured in a terrorist attack, but my primary care physician was killed setting off the explosion that injured me. How do I go about seeking treatment?
A: Please call our appointment specialists' line at [telephone number removed] between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm Tues-Fri.

Q: How can I find a list of doctors in my area who are not involved in terror plots?
A: Please consult our website for a comprehensive guide to our physicians.

Q: My doctor asked me to carry a box that he said contained "important test results" and then to stand in the waiting room of my closest in-network hospital this afternoon. Should I do so?
A: No.

Q: My doctor said I had been "infected by the Great Satan of Western imperialism." Should I be concerned?
A: Infection of any kind should be treated with caution. Generic drugs may offer an alternative treatment plan that allows you to save money.