Det sjunde inseglet (The Seventh Seal)

Ingmar Bergman’s dark fantasy drama follows the journey of a returning crusader knight as he questions God, struggles with his faith and plays a game of chess with Death... I found myself really quite immersed in this world. Although a Swedish film there are undeniable similarities, in terms of visual style and tone, to German expressionism (a form that I find fascinating). There is something about its dark and detailed quality which uncomfortably and effortlessly transports the viewer to another world, somewhere between life and death. For someone who feared death like Bergman this must have been a world his imagination was quite familiar with. This film is bold; he is not a depressive hiding behind a comic’s mask but a fearful man who is honestly and bravely portraying his fear on screen. The Seventh Seal is a priceless glimpse into the mind of its director and there is much fear and doubt to be found there. Yet there were frequent light-hearted moments of bright life. A complex and intriguing journey.