Glad to learn that both Johann and Sinjin own The Seventh Seal on Criterion dvd. There are three audio tracks: Swedish, English(dubbed) and commentary from a Bergman specialist. The dvd illustrates the importance of subtitling. I just saw it 3 times. There were clear discrepancies and omissions in the english subs compared to the English language track. It is a dilemma because if everything is subtitled the viewer has scarce time to observe the images. Obviously this is not an issue for Jacques Tati's almost wordless creations. But consider watching All about Eve or His Girl Friday as a non-english speaker. Frustrating. Likewise, it is practically impossible for the non-francophone -given the copious dialogue- to appreciate the genius of Renoir's The Rules of the Game in one viewing. I am curious about the audio tracks of the criterion edition which I plan to buy or rent. Anyone?
The Seventh Seal, inspired by medieval frescos Igmar saw in the country churches where his chaplain father preached and biblical passages regarding the apocalypse, contains one of the grimest scenes in all cinema:
A procession of flagellants approaches the plaza: a line of half-naked men lashing one another; monks struggling under the weight of huge crosses or holding skulls over their bowed heads, blood-stained faces of children who wear crowns of thorns; the ecstasy of masochism; eight soldiers taking a caged gal to the stake. The procession interrupts the skit of a traveling troupe and halts. A priest scolds, mocks and belittles those present. Glutted with hate, he joyfully proclaims the wrath of God, while throughout Sweden a third of the population meets the horrible death that was the "Black Plague".
What I had forgotten was how Mr. Bergman managed to incorporate some humor and tender moments into an exploration of man's search for meaning. This is sublime cinema.
Bookmarks