I couldn’t not think of Persona when I first read Samy’s script, in the clear way that it’s such a unique example of a film that pairs these two women and where likenesses are being exchanged, or that one character is learning about the likeness of the other and trying to incorporate her into her process as an actor - Todd Haynes, Letterboxd
'
 |
| Persona / May December |
I caught a handful of
Persona-esque shots in Todd Haynes
May December only to discover afterwards that it was
intentional (
click here to learn about Haynes' influences on his latest film). Normally, a filmmaker being influenced by one of Bergman's most recognizable films seems like low-hanging fruit but this is the first time Haynes has been so open about Bergman's influence (he usually draws from the likes of Chantal Akerman, Douglas Sirk, etc).
Below are all of the worthwhile references/similarities I caught (some super obvious and others not so obvious).
And in Persona, Liv Ullmann plays an actress who’s been stricken with stage fright and has stopped speaking. Bibi Andersson is a nurse and a caretaker, called in to look after her - Todd Haynes, Letterboxd
 |
| Persona / May December |
That shot figures into the film Persona, but it’s not necessarily the shot you think of when we all think of Persona. The ultimate shot is where these two are almost playing as if they’re in a mirror, and their gaze turns to the lens of the camera. It’s like a dream - Todd Haynes, Letterboxd
 |
| Persona / May December |
Persona did influence that scene directly - Todd Haynes, Letterboxd
 |
| Persona / May December |
 |
| Persona / May December |
 |
| Persona / May December |
 |
| Persona / May December |
 |
| Persona / May December |
 |
|
