Analyzing the opening, Tonion observes the sounds of the crew moving cameras and props and what he presumes to be Bergman preparing Ullmann for her role; this is followed by Ullmann as Alma speaking into the camera, a "mise-en-scène" repeated at the end. In much the same way as "Persona"s prologue, this opening breaks the fourth wall. Bergman also uses "mise-en-scène" to add ambiguity to Alma's meeting with the lady with the hat, with a view of Alma and then a pan to the lady; Tonion argues the cinematography creates doubt when the lady leaves as to whether Alma has been alone the whole time.