The Seventh Seal

[chickenfeet]

I watched Bergmann's The Seventh Seal last night for the umpteenth time. It takes my breath away each and every time I watch it. Gunnar Fischer's black and white cinematography is amazing and allows Bergmann to create a sequence of precise, stark images in which nothing is wasted. There really isn't a single frame of fluff in the whole 96 minutes. This film was made in 1957. There are no technical gimmicks, just actors and a camera. The Seventh Seal doesn't try to trick the audience, condescend or be cute. It's disturbing, very beautiful, utterly compelling. If you haven't seen it, go see it as soon as you can. If you have seen it, see it again!

Comments

[knirirr.livejournal.com]

I do keep meaning to see it, when I can get hold of a copy.

[gale_storm]

I've seen it a few times, but not since I've learnt Swedish, so it's high time to see it again.

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

It's the reason why my Swedish vocabulary consists of one word... död

[rahael.livejournal.com]

I saw it at the NFT on a big screen and took my breath away as well - I date my love affair with serious films from that point on. Until then, I don't really think I properly thought films could have the same place as novels for me, but it was amazing. I still remember walking out into the South Bank at night after seeing it.

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

I first saw it from a VHS tape on an ordinary TV and I thought it was very good indeed. Seeing the restored, DVD, version on a large screen though was a revelation. There's a quality of light that's special enough in itself but also so very right. It gives a sense of already being "not quite of this world".

[melted-snowball.livejournal.com]

I really should see it again. It was a revelation to see Lawrence of Arabia the second and third times.

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

LoA is definitely another film that stands up well to repeat viewings.

[frumiousb.livejournal.com]

It's funny, I love Bergman, but I've never loved The Seventh Seal. I admire it, but it has always seemed slightly cold to me. I prefer the Death of God trilogy-- Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light and the Silence.