4. Dr Jenny Isaksson - Face to Face (1976)
Latter day awesome gloominess from the Maestro Ingmar Bergman, Face to Face posits an interesting dilemma - what happens when a psychiatrist becomes mentally ill? In this case it is Dr Jenny Isaksson (sublimely played by Bergman favourite Liv Ullman) who succumbs to the mother of all nervous breakdowns. Over the course of the film, Jenny's psyche disintegrates but there is no hysteria in her behaviour. The symptoms of mental illness are just honestly laid bare for us to absorb. Bergman is a master of coaxing heavy emotional performances out of his actors. The role of Jenny is a very complex and demanding one that demands an expert actress like Liv Ullman. A very painful film to watch but one that is honest and brave.