Bergman’s films always capture me with their exquisite magnification of emotions, presenting the collision between two antithetical feelings. In The Seventh Seal, this collision is set around the theme of death, while presenting individuals’ inquiring about the existence of God. Bergman employs many symbolisms in this movie, such as the eagle, the Death, the knight, and the dance of death etc. More than constantly evoke emotions in the audience, these symbols also construct the metaphysical essence of this film. Though each character has their own understandings of death, it’s almost inevitable to witness the emergence of fear in everyone when the Death approach. If the existence of fear is nothing but an incarnation of God, how would they react differently in this trial?
When the protagonist Block return from the crusade, he is overwhelmed by nihilistic disappointments after witnessing the dilapidation and the wreak havoc of plague. The question of truth that he expects to be answered still remains as a doubt. Rather than facing the god directly, Block is entering a stalemate with the Death, waiting for the final trial. As an idealist, Block juxtaposes the absolute truth with faith, while holding a contradictory attitude. When the “absolute truth” is not what Block expects to be the cure of spiritual trauma, he begins to question the validity of the conviction, while hoping to find an answer proven from God. Instead of holding his faith, Block gives an attitude of apriorism to his questioning, expecting that there would be an answer and proof. Nevertheless, he doesn’t realize that the real faith does not need proof but only believe.
Unlike Block, other characters in the film all hold different attitude and cognition towards death. Block’s squire, Jons, is always holding a cynical and skeptical attitude while ignoring anything with disparagement. He’s drawn to death while scoffing at it. Another character, Joseph, is unlike any other two characters. He’s a pious follower with pure simpleness and compassion, always optimistic despite being bulldozed.
Perceiving through their different approaches of existence, the images of this world presented by Bergman is also unveiled. Despite everyone is afraid of death, there’re people still take pleasure in mocking on the others. If carrying the cross is a pray to be forgiven by dealing with their own burdens, will the fear of death be eliminated? Despite all these questions are left unanswered, God is always a taciturn absentee.
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