Even though the film has a slow first act, it serves as exposition into the lives of Sir Antonius Block, his helper Squire Jons, and the minstrel couple Mary and Joseph, who are also parents. The story is set in the background of Sweden during the twelfth century, when it was undergoing the Black Plague, one of the deadliest pandemics the world has ever seen. It was a time of subjugation, of paranoia, of doubt. It was also a time of renewed values and, in its own special way, enlightenment. It's up for debate whether or not this was when the true Renaissance occured, since the Renaissance we know revived Roman styles while the Medieval times had a Gothic style of its own. There is also this tidbit that the term "Middle Ages" was coined to make fun of the era, as if it were the dark ages. However, we are not here to discuss history. We are here to debate life, death, and whether or not we have the answer for everything under the sun.
Normally, Death is a skeleton wearing a black robe and armed with a scythe. Instead, he is merely a pasty-faced man; he is unarmed, but he has his wits. Many a blogger already commented about his appearance and how he picked the "black" side for the game. Darkness is an unpleasant feeling; being in the dark is when we do not know anything about the situation; to wear black is to be mournful, and to be feeling black is to feel ominous. With this in mind, the color black symbolizes Death's mysterious nature. Sometimes, he comes at a bad time, while at others, he is relief. He also reminds our protagonist "It's not reality you see, but another kind". There are different truths, different views. In this time and age, nothing is ever as it seems.
Squires are expected to be only slightly educated, but Squire Jons' worldview is ahead of his time. He sees through religious zealotry and hypocrisy and despises a "war so stupid, only an idealist could've thought it up". While everyone else is fearful or even remorseful at the flagellants' march, he shows a look of indifference. He can't believe how people could "take that drivel seriously" and even makes himself clear to Antonius Block about it; it's daring on his part, especially when the Church may've thought he was being heretical. Unlike his master, who seriously wants to believe God is listening, Jons is our existentialist hero. He is not as extreme as Katchinsky or even Manny, but he still has a sour view of humanity.
I'm afraid it's a little early to discuss the minstrels' roles. However, Mary and Joseph seem more hopeful than our other leads. At least, for right now anyway. What we know so far is that they have a son named Michael, who is a toddler around this time, and that their manager lives with them. They are, in most other respects, normal people living normal lives. There is little to speak about, except for the fact Joseph constantly has visions and that Mary may have some hidden skeletons. Note how they react when the flagellants disturb their show. The way they panicked, they must've thought the priests have come to break up the gaiety. Festivities were allowed in the Middle Ages, but the Church mostly frowned upon these kind of things.
Maybe Death may strike one of the lovers or take their son, maybe Death may be up to his old tricks with Sir Block, and maybe Squire Jons will be more daring. Until then, let us hold our breaths for tomorrow. This entry may be shorter and not as deep as usual, but hopefully, there will be more to come.
P.S. In response to what some of the other bloggers are saying, I don't mind the subtitles or the fact it's in Swedish; it's better than listening to an English dub any time.
I thought this was one of your best posts. Not to denigrate the others, of course. But, I want to tell you again how much I appreciate all the effort and creativity you have brought to the task. If you were the only student in the class, it would be well worth my time and effort.
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