Last night I gave Chris a mission: Pick a (non-Fear and Loathing) Criterion off the shelf to watch with dinner. This is a part of the "get off our butts and actually watch the Criterion DVDs and Blu-Rays that we have accumulated" project.
I've seen The Seventh Seal several times before, including the DVD release they put out but this was my first time watching the Blu-Ray that I was given as a present last Christmas and Chris' first time, period. I cannot pretend to give you any worthwhile opinions about the technical details but it looked absolutely gorgeous. As it should, it is a skillfully shot movie. The blacks were deep and brought out the shades of gray.
This film really hits me hard every time I watch it, and even though there are some truly dark moments the humor and joy that shine through when appropriate are genuine and wonderful. The Seventh Seal is the best movie I have ever seen and I'm not sure that anything will ever top it on my list.
My top scenes (no order):
- When the flagellants cross through the town. They are appalling and frightening, and stop the audience the same way they make everyone in the town stop.
- The scene between Death and Skat. A humorous way to have a very serious conversation.
- When Block goes to the "witch" who is about to be burned at the stake and gives her the herbs to dull her pain.
- Block's slight smile when Death asks him if he's ready after he allows Jof, Mia and the toddler to escape.
