I belive that Bergman did a lot of things intentionally, so there must be some significance to her role and its idiosyncracies.Why do only Jof, Mia, and their son escape Death at the end?
that he claims to have done which he confesses to Death at their last meeting on the chess board? I really think the ultimate symbol of this interpretation is the fact that Death is personified in … There is a scene where Antonius asks Death to reveal his secrets about God, only to be told 'I am unknowing.' Think Jof in the tavern or the blacksmith after his wife leaves him). '), it's only natural to get afraid. The first centers on Block, a disillusioned crusader who returns home after 10 years in the holy land. You just summarized eloquently one of the major problems of atheists and of atheism.It's the ideology of rejection, ideology of nothingness. Is The Seventh Seal a disaster movie? If Antonius thinks he accomplished something with his life, why is he scared of dying? However, I have simply felt and looked at the world and myself differently today since I have viewed it. Throughout the entire film, he has been confident in his actions; again, he is a character that is made admirable for not spending his time questioning the world and faith.I wouldn't be so quick to presume Bergman intends this. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts To me, these three characters are the actual embodiment of that sentiment.That's my understanding of the characters, anyway. I don't understand at all the role of the blacksmith and his wife, or the actor who died in the tree, or why the mute girl seems so excited by death (that minor character in particular receives a large amount of screentime in the arrival of Death scene which perplexes me).
Jof, Marie, and the baby, according to Peter Cowie, represent the Holy Family which could explain why they are only ones spared. Jof's wife provides Antonius with a picnic that Antonius says is a pleasant memory that he will carry with him forever.And meanwhile, Block -- the one with the most capabilities of the group, who came from the most fortunate background -- continues to do nothing of any significance. Does Antonius' wife hold any significance? The humour of the film (Jöns prompting the blacksmith's lines or Death felling the tree) is very fundamental to bringing this point across. With The Seventh Seal Block is very much a stand-in for Bergman. "Something that struck me as significant in the movie is that the only thing Block tries to do the entire movie is attempt to avoid death - a futile effort, not only in the context of the plague-ridden world of the movie, but in life itself. The 'sweet release of death' if you will.The three other characters played a pretty instrumental 'comedic relief' role. Maybe Bergman is implying that searching for divine revelation is a futile and life-wasting endeavour.
This is not to deny, at all, the tremendous value in reflection, rational thought, and introspection - used appropriately.It's been a while since I've seen it, but here's something I haven't seen anyone mention: "It is finished" are the last words Jesus said on the cross (John 19:30).This likely has some sort of parallel with Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Also, gonna check out some Nietzche - one of the philosophers I never read for some reason.I just recently rewatched this movie with the criterion audio commentary by Peter Cowie so it's pretty fresh in my head. He appreciated their youth and vitality, and knew they deserved protection.New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be castPress J to jump to the feed. Plague is as close you can get to absurd randomness of death.Atheists do not realize that for a true and knowledgeable believer holding on to religion is a dramatic fight for his soul under the pressure of entropy of the surrounding world. You already pointed out this 'don't worry about philosophizing' idea. Recall his line 'I shall remember this hour of peace: the strawberries, the bowl of milk, your faces in the dusk. And everyone In my view (and, I think, in the film's view) significance comes acting to better the world despite the fact that it will all come to an end - an idea underscored by the film's apocalyptic tone (and title - the seventh seal is a reference to an apocalyptic event in the book of Revelation)I think you're closest to the mark with your point about focusing on our existence itself and not spending so much time running from death. Well, 2 kind of takes place over the period of 1. I am hooked on Bergman. "I shall carry this memory carefully in my hands as if it were a bowl brimful of fresh milk." Also, any other recommendations on foreign films to watch would be appreciated as well :)Oh, I know this one! The Seventh Seal seems to reject blind religious dogma and is more concerned with humanism. First and foremost there is Antonius Block. I saw her character as someone who has no fear of death (or maybe even seeks it), because of that troubled past.