Max von Sydow (Carl Adolf von Sydow Lund, Sweden 10 April 1929 – Seillans, Sweden 8 March 2020)
Film Career. Max von Sydow was an extraordinarily talented Swedish actor and one of the most iconic figures in international cinema. His career spanned over seven decades.
Iconic Roles. Von Sydow is known for a series of memorable roles in films such as "The Seventh Seal" (1957), directed by Ingmar Bergman, where he portrayed the protagonist Antonius Block.
Versatility. Max von Sydow was celebrated for his versatility as an actor. He portrayed a wide range of characters in films of various genres, showcasing his extraordinary acting skills.
The most important films: "The Seventh Seal" (1957): Directed by Ingmar Bergman, this film is one of the most iconic in Max von Sydow's career. In the film, von Sydow portrays the knight Antonius Block, a man in search of meaning in a world plagued by the Black Death. His role and intense performance helped make the film a milestone in Swedish and international cinema.
"Red Desert" (1964): This masterpiece by Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni saw von Sydow playing the role of Corrado Zeller, a family friend who offers support to the protagonist, Giuliana, portrayed by Monica Vitti. The film is known for its extraordinary cinematography and von Sydow's moving performance.
"Hawaii" (1966): In this cinematic adaptation of James A. Michener's novel, Max von Sydow portrayed a Norwegian missionary, Abner Hale, who arrives in 19th-century Hawaii. The film provided von Sydow with the opportunity to explore a complex character within a captivating historical context.
Awards and Recognitions. Von Sydow received numerous Oscar nominations and won many other awards, including a Golden Globe and a Cesar Award. His career was marked by critical acclaim and recognition.
International Work. Max von Sydow worked in international film productions and appeared in globally successful films. His on-screen presence was admired worldwide.
Personal Life. Von Sydow was married to actress Catherine Brelet from 1997 until his passing in 2020. The couple had two children. He was known for his privacy and impeccable professional ethics.
Filmography
Only a Mother (1949) - Director: Alf Sjöberg
Miss Julie (1951) - Director: Alf Sjöberg
Ingen mans kvinna (1953) - Director: Lars-Eric Kjellgren
The Seventh Seal (1957) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
Wild Strawberries (1957) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
Brink of Life (1958) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
The Magician (1958) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
The Virgin Spring (1960) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
Through a Glass Darkly (1961) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
Winter Light (1963) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
The Silence (1963) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
All These Women (1964) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
The Reward (1965) - Director: Serge Bourguignon
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) - Director: George Stevens
Hawaii (1966) - Director: George Roy Hill
Here's Your Life (1966) - Director: Jan Troell
The Quiller Memorandum (1966) - Director: Michael Anderson
Hour of the Wolf (1968) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
Black Palm Trees (1968) - Director: Lars-Magnus Lindgren
Shame (1968) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
Made in Sweden (1969) - Director: Johan Bergenstråhle
The Passion of Anna (1969) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
The Kremlin Letter (1970) - Director: John Huston
The Touch (1971) - Director: Ingmar Bergman
The Apple War (1971) - Director: Tage Danielsson
The Emigrants (1971) - Director: Jan Troell
The New Land (1972) - Director: Jan Troell
The Exorcist (1973) - Director: William Friedkin
Steppenwolf (1974) - Director: Fred Haines
Three Days of the Condor (1975) - Director: Sydney Pollack
AWARDS