The Seventh Seal

[ice nine]

Just rented and watched this movie. I thought it would be more philosophical and heavy like 'My Dinner With Andre'. I could at least grasp the concepts that the film was discussing. Basically, the whole thing is about death.

[Jack of All Parades]

Well-that and some serious discussion regarding religious faith and the difficulty some may have of maintaining it or even achieving it. A favorite for me on many levels-story, acting, direction and cinematography. May be one of the best shot films I have ever seen. Too many iconic images on the screen-just like the Medieval artwork which inspired it. The 'danse macabre' image at the end is life affirming for me. Always have agreed with one of the film's premises that human suffering is no real compelling proof of God's existence. If God is not there " then life is a senseless term. No man can live with Death and know that everything is nothing." I have always been drawn to the thought that a belief in God is a fear of the unknown. It is why I so admire Larkin's "Aubade" which too tackles this subject. Ultimately, as the film eloquently states, "they bear away from their light, while their strict lord, Death, bids them to dance....and the rain water cleanses the salt of their tears from their cheeks." An immortal and lasting film.

But more importantly the Pirates have now tied up Andrew McCutchen for at least six prime years of his playing career- nice move!!!!!!

[ice nine]

Ultimately, isn't everything about death? Religion was 'invented' to make the notion of death more palatable.

The news about McCutchen is excellent(baseball is my favorite sport). However, this news was overshadowed by the news that the Steelers let Hines Ward go. I guess if Peyton can be let go so can Hines. Business is business.