In Reply to: "Seventh Seal" posted by sjb on April 25, 2007 at 22:28:28:
writing an essay. Like with all great art, you can't and shouldn't be able to pinpoint EXACTLY what it's creator is saying: like Mona Lisa's smile, there must be mystery, depth, and uncertainty. In other words, it must mirror life itself. Remember Shakespeare's famous exhortation about holding the mirror up to nature? You seem to wish to make Bergman's art transparent, reductable.
I suppose the "unknowing" might be a reference to Taoism's "non-ado" which doesn't mean undoing activity or not doing it but merely not rationalizing or planning it. I think.
Anyhow, of course the film is among the greatest.
You may wish to see a recent Swedish film titled, "Songs from the Second Floor."
It deals with our times in much the same way as Bergman did the 50's and has some clever nods to "Seven Seals," to boot.
BTW, you seem to have an extraordinary memory for details. You're not taking notes during these films? Really impressive!
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Follow Ups
- I think you're being a bit unfair to Bergman. He isn't - tinear 04:40:00 04/26/07 (1)
- It's not that I'm trying to get to exactly what's being said - sjb 06:47:12 04/26/07 (0)