Bo Widerberg is considered one of the central figures in Swedish cinema. Preferring natural lighting, he shoots mostly out of doors and never in a studio. “An historical incident inspired this testament by Widerberg to romantic love. In 1889 Lieutenant Sparre (Thommy Berggren) and Elvira Madigan (Pia Degermark) are both deserters—he from the Swedish army and she from her parents’ circus. He is a count, and she is a tightrope walker. Their attempt to create their own world, away from the society that would keep them apart, is a story of intense dedication and ultimate tragedy” (Walker Art Center).