The character of Vergerus was based on critic Harry Schein who disliked Bergman's work.
The character of Vogler was based on Bergman himself.
The character name Vergerus is one that recurs throughout Bergman's work and is generally associated with lack of emotion and heartlessness.
The original Swedish title is "Ansiktet" which means "the face." It was released theatrically in the United Kingdom as "The Face."