Meaning: Ingmar Bergman, the legendary Swedish filmmaker, made this statement regarding the theatrical version of his film Fanny and Alexander. The quote reflects Bergman's dissatisfaction with the shorter version of the film and his belief that it was an incomplete representation of his original vision.

Fanny and Alexander is a 1982 film directed by Bergman, which is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces. The film tells the story of the Ekdahl family and is set in Uppsala, Sweden, during the early 20th century. It explores themes of family, childhood, and the supernatural, and is known for its rich and complex storytelling.

The theatrical version of Fanny and Alexander was edited down from the original five-hour television miniseries, which Bergman had initially created for Swedish television. The decision to create a shorter theatrical version was made in order to make the film more accessible to international audiences and to facilitate its release in cinemas.

Bille August, a fellow acclaimed director, conveyed Bergman's sentiments about the theatrical version of Fanny and Alexander. August's statement provides insight into Bergman's perspective on the film and his dissatisfaction with the compromises that were made in the process of creating the shorter version.

Bergman's dissatisfaction with the theatrical version of Fanny and Alexander is indicative of his dedication to his artistic vision and his desire for audiences to experience the film in its original form. For Bergman, the longer television miniseries represented his complete and intended vision for the story, and he felt that the theatrical version was a compromised representation of his work.

The quote also sheds light on the challenges that filmmakers often face when adapting their work for different formats and audiences. Bergman's experience with Fanny and Alexander highlights the tension between artistic integrity and the practical considerations of distribution and accessibility.

Since the release of the theatrical version, Fanny and Alexander has continued to be celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece, and it has left an indelible mark on the world of film. The film received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design.

Ultimately, Bergman's statement about the theatrical version of Fanny and Alexander serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in the process of bringing a filmmaker's vision to the screen. It also underscores the importance of honoring and preserving the original artistic intentions behind a work of art.