The Seventh Seal

To be shown: 21 May 2007

Sweden 1957
97 minutes
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Starring: Max von Sydow, Gunnar Bjornstrand, Bengt Ekerot.

Synopsis

Location: Europe. Period: after the crusades. A knight, Antonius Bloch, is returning to his home in Denmark accompanied by his squire. Bloch joined the crusades because he believed in the cause and wanted his life to mean something. What he discovered was less than fulfilling and has left him disillusioned with his return punctuated by visions of the plague that is sweeping Europe and the ravages of superstition that are trying to explain it.

On his journey home Bloch is joined my a disparate selection of individuals all seeking protection from the world around them. Finally the knight is confronted by Death itself who welcomes him to his destiny and end. Protesting that his life has not found that significant moment and despite Death's cynicism he manages to secure a chess match. This gives the knight additional time to make his life worthwhile.

Whilst searching for his moment of profundity Bloch finds an opportunity, not to save the world, but at least the family of one of those he protects.

The Seventh Seal is a good introduction to Bergman's work. All the symbolism and thematic dominance can be found here, less obscure but no less enjoyable. The acting never falters and whilst some may be waiting for the protagonists to whip out a game of twister, (as in Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey), the depth of meaning and experience is never clichéd or laboured. This is entirely a film for lovers of the cinema.