"I've gone from saint to whore and back to saint again, all in one lifetime"

Ingrid Bergman's quote, "I have actually gone from saint to whore and back to saint again, all in one lifetime", encapsulates the intricacy and duality present in public understanding and individuality. Through these words, Bergman reviews the tumultuous journey of her life and career, marked by societal judgment and individual redemption.

The metaphorical transformation from "saint to whore" highlights the significant shifts in how Bergman was viewed by society. Early in her profession, Bergman was celebrated as a saintly figure, embodying grace, skill, and moral integrity in her roles in traditional films like "Casablanca". She represented the perfect of a virtuous woman, both on and off the screen. This understanding was shattered when Bergman's individual choices, particularly her affair with director Roberto Rossellini while still married, cast her into the shadow of a "whore", a term heavy with moral condemnation and scandal.

Bergman's referral to going back to the status of a "saint" highlights the cyclical nature of credibility and how with time and determination, she might reclaim her prestigious status. Her eventual redemption was marked by a successful career renewal and acknowledgment of her contributions to cinema. This stage highlights society's capacity for forgiveness and the possibility of reclaiming one's narrative despite previous disobediences.

At its core, the quote speaks to the more comprehensive human experience of navigating the interplay in between social expectations and personal authenticity. It shows the harsh judgment that individuals, particularly females, can face when their actions conflict with social norms and the difficult journey towards self-forgiveness and approval. Bergman's words advise us that identity is not static however a continuous procedure of becoming, where one need to fix up the polar extremes of social perception and individual fact to discover peace and self-identity.