Ingmar Bergman has died

[Milky Tears]

Acclaimed Swedish film director Ingmar Bergamn has died aged 89:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/235714.stm


Ingmar Bergman's greatest scenes

He directed some of my all-time favourite films.

[WhiteCrow]

He gave us this iconic picture of a man playing Death for his life.

I've not watched many of his films, but the Seventh Seal was classic. In fact classic isn't a good enough word.

The core of the film is a knight playing for time against Death. He's returned from the crusades to find his home plague stricken. He's given his life in service of God, but before he dies he's looking for a sign that God is really out there.

Quite a contemplative tale, certainly one which echoes with my own life. There is a scene in it which is a personal favourite, where the knight played by Max von Sydow flexes his hand and says he can feel his blood pulsing and he is playing chess with Death. The scene is a wonderful one as you feel this is the most alive the knight has ever felt, and he just embraces the joy of the moment, knowing that with his game he is merely playing for time, and he has few such moments left.

I'm sure it says more on life in that one scene that I could fill in a hundred self-discovery books.

Iconic imagery, contemplative dialogue, great acting, I hope they repeat it as a tribute.

[Carol Baynes]

A very sad loss. RIP Ingmar Bergman

"The seventh seal" is screening soon at the Cornerhouse in Manchester as well. ironic and sad that this has reminded me to go and see it.

[Alex]

Aye, it is a very sad loss. Though I can't but think he had a long and intersting life, however troubled it was at times, which is something.

Like Mr Crow, I absolutely love The Seventh Seal, despite it's reputation it's surprisingly accessible, and a really fascinating piece of cinema. Wild Strawberries is superb too, but oddly I haven't seen many of his other films, I'm not sure why considering how highly I think of him.

[Lord President]

This is what happens when you play chess with Death and lose!

RIP!

[Rob McCow]

He reached 89 though, so he must have been playing a loooong game.

RIP Ingmar Bergman.

[WhiteCrow]

He reached 89 though, so he must have been playing a loooong game.

RIP Ingmar Bergman.

He might have had an advantage as I hear Death doesn't really understand how the horseys move.

[Dave Tudor]

Again, I thought he'd died years ago.

I don't think I've seen any of his movies (shame!), but his influence cannot be denied, and that scene above from 'The Seventh Seal' is surely one of the most iconic in cinema history. Rest in peace.

[WhiteCrow]

Again, I thought he'd died years ago.

I started a thread yesterday "I didn't think they were dead". I also think I should start one "I didn't know they were still alive.".