Meaning: This quote by Ingmar Bergman, the renowned Swedish film director, provides insight into his approach to storytelling and filmmaking. Bergman's use of the metaphor "skeletons awaiting the flesh and sinew of images" offers a glimpse into his creative process and the way he views the relationship between scriptwriting and visual storytelling.

In this quote, Bergman likens his scripts to skeletons, suggesting that they are the fundamental structure upon which the rest of the film is built. The idea of a skeleton implies a framework, a basic outline that provides support and shape. In the context of scriptwriting, this metaphor suggests that the script serves as the foundational structure of a film, providing the essential narrative and thematic framework upon which the visual and performative elements are constructed.

Bergman's choice of words, "flesh and sinew of images," further emphasizes the dynamic and transformative nature of his scripts. The "flesh and sinew" can be interpreted as the visual and performative elements that bring the script to life on the screen. This imagery suggests that the script is brought to life through the addition of vivid, evocative images and the nuanced performances of the actors. It implies that the script is not static or complete in itself but rather a living, evolving entity that is enriched and embodied through the visual and performative elements of filmmaking.

Bergman's approach to scriptwriting reflects his deep understanding of the collaborative nature of filmmaking. While the script provides the foundational structure, it is ultimately the collaborative efforts of the director, cinematographer, actors, and other creative contributors that breathe life into the script and bring it to fruition on the screen. By describing his scripts as "awaiting the flesh and sinew of images," Bergman acknowledges the essential role of these collaborators in realizing the full potential of his storytelling vision.

Furthermore, Bergman's emphasis on the interplay between scriptwriting and visual storytelling underscores the importance of visual language in his films. Throughout his career, Bergman was known for his visually striking and thematically rich films, and his quote suggests that the visual and narrative elements are inextricably linked in his creative process. This approach aligns with the auteur theory, which emphasizes the director as the primary creative force behind a film, shaping both its visual style and thematic content.

In conclusion, Ingmar Bergman's quote offers valuable insights into his approach to scriptwriting and visual storytelling. By likening his scripts to "skeletons awaiting the flesh and sinew of images," Bergman highlights the foundational role of the script in filmmaking while also acknowledging the collaborative and dynamic nature of the visual storytelling process. His words provide a compelling perspective on the interplay between scriptwriting and visual storytelling, shedding light on the intricate relationship between narrative structure and visual expression in his films.