The Seventh Seal

I've always meant to watch The Seventh Seal. By 'meant', I mean making myself feel better that I really didn't want to watch a black and white movie about death playing chess with some skinny dude. Well, I had some time to spare, the misses is snoring loudly next to me and I thought 'Meh, why the hell not? Let me put it to rest.' It's a good movie. Make time for it. Sure it comes across a little pretentious. But tell me, what movie from back in the day that wants to deal with the nature of death isn't? Don't turn your nose at it, you're being silly if you do. It's not arty farty at all. The guy's playing chess with Death. Family Guy uses Death plenty of times, they don't go calling it arty farty do they? Sheesh. You want to watch this movie because the dialogue is witty, sometimes downright hilarious. You want to watch it because Mr. Von Sydow does a great job of portraying someone who isn't afraid of death and wants to question what Death knows of God and the Devil. His squire is actually one of the saving graces in the movie. He brings much needed levity to the sometimes dour and troubled Antonius Block. He's the one character who is happy to confront the harsh realities of life whilst his master continues to look for some greater meaning. Watch this movie because it's so simple in its premise. It's not some crazy twist and turn thriller that's constantly trying to trick you. It's simplicity is brilliant. I will say this though. The first 30 minutes are a difficult watch. The pace is slow, almost lethargic. But once all the characters have been introduced it's a great watch. Final thought. It's the Nordic equivalent to Don Quixote. At least, that's what I felt whilst watching this.

I thought that this might have had more impact on a stage than the wide view of the open. For instance, Death seemed rather small and the ongoing game of chess arbitrarily placed in space. There were contrasts between the seriously philosophical and the humorous but the elements of tragedy and comedy weren't as well integrated as in a Shakespearean play. However some scenes had their point such as the procession of the flagellants and the medieval travelling theatre performance.

Still a great movie and complex. While its an oldie in black in white with a simple story, proof that complex storylines and special effects are not always needed.

Powerful dialogue and content makes this much more like a play than a film and so I advise anyone watching it to approach it as such. Very deep thoughts on the existence of God and the meaning of life. Script writers today can hardly compare to the almost poetic language of this film.

Had to switch it off about 20 minutes in. Just boring. Don't pretend you're all arty farty by watching this just to say 'I've seen it'. It's really not worth it.

Maybe if I'd given it a go....but...no....just don't do it.