A subtle message...

Fellini said about Bergman that he deeply admired and respected him because, among other things, he used his life as a sort of playground to experiment with his ideas and fantasies.

Recently on a long-haul flight, I had the chance to see a film that I´ve wanted to see for many years: Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal (1957).

What I discovered is that this is more than a film—it's a profound reflection on life's big questions. You may or may not have seen it, so I won´t say any spoilers but here´s an idea that came to mind after watching and trying to digest its many-layered, complex messages.

In the movie, the main character plays a game of chess with Death himself. During the course of the movie, Death claims most of the characters. However, a family of traveling performers keeps escaping it.

As an artist, I perceive that this leaves behind a subtle message: life’s meaning may lie in the small joys of love, art, and connection.

I think that what might make this film resonate even today is its blend of heavy themes with moments of grace. Just like all works of art that have withstood the test of time, Bergman manages to capture some truth from the essence of mankind.

And one of them is questioning our own existence.

As someone who is constantly questioning my place in the world and the meaning of it all, movies like these speak directly to my heart and offer some pointers, or at least some solace in the idea that I´m not alone in my search.

Have a great day.

Claudio.

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