Liv Ullmann’s Kristin Lavransdatter is based on The Wreath, the first volume of Sigrid Undset’s medieval trilogy. Elisabeth Matheson plays Kristin, who grows up at Jørundgård in Gudbrandsdalen in the early fourteenth century and is promised in marriage to Simon Darre. During a stay at Nonneseter convent in Oslo, she meets Erlend Nikulaussøn, and their growing love threatens both her family obligations and the arranged marriage.

When the film was released in 1995, it was the most expensive Norwegian film production to date, and the scale of its ambition is evident in the medieval world Ullmann created. Jørundgård was constructed as an entire farmstead in Sel for the filming and remains standing today, while Sven Nykvist’s cinematography gives the clothing and landscape a striking physical presence. The costumes were designed by Inger Pehrsson, with Kari Elfstedt serving as head of costume and overseeing, among other things, the clothing worn by the clergy and extras.

Clothing in The Wreath is rich in social meaning. Unmarried women are distinguished by their loose hair and wreaths, and at her wedding, Kristin wears the traditional bridal crown as a symbol of virginity, despite already being pregnant. Medieval dress is thus closely tied to the social conventions that govern Kristin’s life. The long gowns, elaborate headdresses and magnificent bridal attire belong to a world in which clothing communicates a person’s identity and social standing before they have even spoken. Kristin Lavransdatter was an enormous box-office success, becoming the most-watched Norwegian film of the 1990s.

The screening will be introduced by fashion historian Ragnhild Brochmann.

This is the 14th screening as part of "Fabricated Frames", a monthly film club curated by International Library of Fashion Research at Cinemateket in Oslo. Get your tickets now via cinemateket.no. See you Wednesday 25th of November at 18.30!