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Jon Mirsalis on Piano

Gunnar Hede's Saga was Stiller's second adaptation of Selma Lagerlöf's work, but unlike Sir Arne's Treasure, it insists on its existence independent of the text. The film makes greater use of itself as a medium by creating a dreamlike quality to the narrative that depends on systems of correspondences, repetitions, and reversals that blur the line between reality and hallucination. Gunnar is disowned because of his love for the violin and a gypsy girl. He decides to vindicate himself and save the impoverished family estate by repeating his grandfather's heroic feat of driving a herd of reindeer through the wilderness to market, but the result for Gunnar is disastrous. Stiller's technical achievements in the use of high– and low–angle shots, tracking shots, as well as normal dissolves and fades is unmatched in his career and contribute to what has been called his most beautiful and personal film.