The Seventh Seal

Ingmar Bergman’s beguiling critique of religion is a breathtaking example of European cinema’s rapid post-war evolution. It screens in crisp 4K.

In this must-see for all cinema lovers, Max Von Sydow stars as Antonius Block, a fatigued knight returning home from the Crusades. Finding himself alone on a beach, he is soon confronted by the haunting silhouette of Death (Bengt Ekerot).

Trying to delay the inevitable for just enough time to perform one last meaningful act, Antonius challenges Death to a game of chess.

Curator’s Note

There are really two Ingmar Bergmans: the one before The Seventh Seal and the one after. Bergman had already made several excellent films, but the success of The Seventh Seal marked a major turning point in his career, carving out a space for the director as an auteur on the world stage.

So iconic is The Seventh Seal that new audiences might feel an uncanny sense of déjà vu watching it for the first time. The film has been parodied and paid homage to so widely that it’s referenced in films as far-reaching as David Lynch’s Lost Highway (1997) and even Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991).

Join us in the cinema for the 4K restoration of The Seventh Seal, and an overview of the upcoming Summer Matinees program.

Reece Goodwin, Senior Programmer (Film & Screen Industry)