Gustaf Wasa, Part One

Plot

Set in 1518 during the Danish occupation of Sweden, the film begins with Sten Sture the Younger calling upon loyal Swedes to resist King Christian II's rule. The message reaches farmer Mats Waltersson in Dalarna, who rallies his fellow countrymen to fight for Swedish independence. The Dalarna warriors travel from house to house, gathering support and declaring they will not accept a Danish monarch. The narrative culminates in the pivotal Battle of Brännkyrka outside Stockholm, where Swedish forces defeat the Danish army. During this decisive battle, the Swedish riksbaneret (royal banner) is raised, marking the emergence of Gustav Eriksson Vasa as a leader of the Swedish resistance movement and the beginning of Sweden's fight for independence.

Historical Background

The film was produced during a period of growing Swedish nationalism in the 1920s, when there was renewed interest in national history and folklore. This coincided with the 400th anniversary of Gustav Vasa's election as King of Sweden (1523-1923), which had sparked nationwide celebrations and educational initiatives. The film emerged during the golden age of Swedish cinema (1917-1924), though it came slightly after this period's peak. It was also made during the transition from silent to sound films, making it part of the last generation of major silent epics. The 1920s saw increased political tensions in Europe, and stories of national liberation like Gustav Vasa's resonated with contemporary audiences. The film's production by AB Svensk Filmindustri reflected Sweden's ambition to compete with international epics from Hollywood and Germany.

Making Of

The production of 'Gustaf Wasa, Part One' was a massive undertaking for Swedish cinema in 1928. Director John W. Brunius spent months researching the historical period and consulted with leading Swedish historians to ensure accuracy. The battle sequences were particularly challenging to film, requiring coordination of thousands of extras, horses, and practical effects. The production team built full-scale replicas of 16th-century Swedish and Danish military camps. Gösta Ekman underwent extensive preparation for his role as Gustav Vasa, studying historical portraits and documents to capture the character's essence. The film's cinematographer, Julius Jaenzon, employed innovative camera techniques including moving shots and aerial perspectives to create epic scale. The production faced numerous weather challenges, with the winter battle scenes requiring actors to perform in sub-zero temperatures. The film's intertitles were written by renowned Swedish author Hjalmar Bergman, adding literary prestige to the production.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Julius Jaenzon was considered groundbreaking for Swedish cinema at the time. Jaenzon employed a variety of innovative techniques including sweeping panoramic shots of the Swedish landscape, dynamic camera movements during battle sequences, and carefully composed tableaus that resembled historical paintings. The film made extensive use of location shooting in Dalarna and around Stockholm, capturing authentic Swedish scenery that added to the historical atmosphere. Jaenzon utilized natural lighting effectively, particularly in outdoor scenes, creating a painterly quality that enhanced the film's epic scope. The battle sequences featured complex multi-camera setups and innovative editing techniques that created a sense of chaos and scale. Close-ups were used strategically to highlight emotional moments and character reactions, while wide shots established the grand scale of the historical events.

Innovations

The film featured several technical innovations for Swedish cinema of the era. The production employed advanced camera cranes and dollies to achieve dynamic movement in battle scenes. Special effects techniques were used to simulate cannon fire and battle casualties, including pyrotechnics and carefully choreographed stunt work. The costume and prop departments created historically accurate replicas of 16th-century weapons and armor. The film's editing techniques, particularly in the battle sequences, were considered sophisticated for the time, using cross-cutting to build tension and show multiple perspectives of the action. The production also utilized early matte painting techniques to enhance the scale of historical settings. These technical achievements helped establish Swedish cinema as capable of producing films on par with international standards.

Music

As a silent film, 'Gustaf Wasa, Part One' featured no recorded soundtrack. However, it was accompanied by musical scores during theatrical screenings. The original score was composed by Swedish composer Olof Thunberg, who incorporated Swedish folk melodies and period-appropriate musical themes. Major theaters like the Röda Kvarn in Stockholm employed full orchestras for performances, while smaller venues used piano or organ accompaniment. The musical score emphasized the film's patriotic themes and dramatic moments, with specific leitmotifs for main characters. Some contemporary accounts suggest that traditional Swedish songs like 'Vintern rasat' were incorporated into the musical accompaniment. The score has been reconstructed in recent years for special screenings of restored versions of the film.

Memorable Scenes

• The gathering of Dalarna farmers where Mats Waltersson rallies his men with patriotic speeches
• The massive Battle of Brännkyrka sequence with thousands of extras and spectacular battle choreography
• The raising of the Swedish riksbaneret during the battle, symbolizing Swedish resistance
• Gustav Vasa's first appearance as a leader of the resistance movement
• The scene where Danish forces are shown oppressing Swedish villagers, establishing the conflict

What Critics Said

Contemporary Swedish critics praised the film for its ambitious scale and historical authenticity. Newspapers like 'Dagens Nyheter' and 'Svenska Dagbladet' commended Gösta Ekman's performance as Gustav Vasa and the impressive battle sequences. Critics particularly noted the film's patriotic value and educational importance. International reviews were limited but generally positive when they appeared, with trade publications acknowledging the technical achievements of the Swedish production. Modern film historians view the film as an important example of 1920s Swedish cinema and a significant work in the historical epic genre. Some contemporary critics note that while the film's nationalist perspective may seem dated, its technical achievements and entertainment value remain impressive. The film is often compared favorably to other European historical epics of the silent era.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a major commercial success in Sweden upon its release, drawing large audiences particularly in Stockholm and other major cities. Many viewers attended multiple screenings, which was common for major productions of the era. The film resonated strongly with Swedish audiences due to its patriotic themes and familiar historical subject matter. School groups frequently attended screenings, as the film was considered educational as well as entertaining. Audience feedback from the period indicates particular enthusiasm for the battle sequences and Ekman's performance. The film's success led to increased demand for Swedish historical films, though few subsequent productions would match its popularity. In rural areas, especially in Dalarna where part of the story is set, local audiences showed particular enthusiasm for seeing their region's history depicted on screen.

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