The Seventh Seal? I know it's an odd suggestion, but there is something a little bit apocalyptic about this film that reminds me of The Seventh Seal. The strange, frequently incoherent storyline, the way the characters in the story seem to be governed by things beyond their control, the moments of comedy, even the emphasis on the landscape... I think there are quite a few similarities in mood, if nothing else. Am I talking crap here?...
shareHadn't ever thought of that, but now you come to mention it, yes. There's an eerie quality to both films, a reliance on symbolism - for a start, both rely on the metaphor of the religious road journey. Death is a less obtrusive presence in A Canterbury Tale, but we all know, with the war raging off-screen, that it is there all right. (Perhaps the fact that this film has a lighter touch than A Seventh Seal makes it more effective, although they are both favourites of mine.) And the final scenes in Canterbury, with the Bach blaring out, are pretty apocalyptic.
shareAnd the final scenes in Canterbury, with the Bach blaring out, are pretty apocalyptic.Even more unsettling / "end of the worldish" for me were the scenes of the devastation wrought by Nazi bombing & rockets in Canterbury --- passing by open cellars with signs of what used to be there, with no further commentary --- just presented for our viewing "pleasure" --- a bit out of the ordinary for a film that had been mostly light-hearted amusement / detective story up until then !
Even more unsettling / "end of the worldish" for me were the scenes of the devastation wrought by Nazi bombing & rockets in Canterbury --- passing by open cellars with signs of what used to be there, with no further commentary --- just presented for our viewing "pleasure" --- a bit out of the ordinary for a film that had been mostly light-hearted amusement / detective story up until then !
Hi Steve --- Living in the area, as you do, you most definitely have the upper hand when it comes to details and appreciation of this fine movie !
I was responding to an earlier poster's feeling that the movie had an apocalyptic feeling to it.
Watching it for the first time, I could not escape the fact that there was a war going on "miles away" for much of the film, but that the events leading up to the visit to Canterbury for our 3 intrepid heroes were, in stark contrast, an enjoyable lark / "busmen's holiday" !
The gorgeous scenes of the peaceful & pastoral fields and hillsides, Bob and our heroine chatting about their beloveds, Bob's interaction with the young man outside of his window, the description of the meal at the farmer's house, Bob's discussion and friendly debate on the nature and curing and processing of wood, our heroine's description of her idyllic life in the caravan with her betrothed --- much of this is contrasted / pushed aside with the later reminders of the war (evidence of the bombings, and the military parade).
Nonetheless, the ending is quite uplifting, as those deserving and faithful who make the pilgrimage to Canterbury are granted their blessings !
J'ai l'œil AMÉRICAIN !
There is a lot of Kentish idyll going on, but that's what it was like for most people during the wartime. Hardly anyone was fighting 24/7, in fact most people never saw much fighting at all. But there was always the danger of sudden death that led people to muse on the eternal verities
Steve
Hardly anyone was fighting 24/7, in fact most people never saw much fighting at all.True enough !
With this film (& with IKWIG) I find it helps to slow down to its pace. There is a lot going on, but it doesn't happen frantically or quickly. But they still attract a lot of interest. We do an ACT location walk every year and an IKWIG location tour on Mull every 5 years. See http://www.powell-pressburger.org/Trips/ for details. People join us for all sorts of reasons, some because they love this film, some because they love all P&P films, some because they're interested in Canterbury (or Mull) local history, some because they love the actors. Whatever their reasons, all are welcome.
Steve
With this film (& with IKWIG) I find it helps to slow down to its pace.I think the films themselves actually lend us a hand in slowing us down. I'm a recent convert to the films of P&P, and can't get enough of their excellence in storylines, acting, and technical expertise.
They do lend a hand in slowing us down to their pace, but some people brought up on action movies have difficulty in slowing down to their pace.
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the P&P films. They don't make 'em like that any more. They didn't make many like that back then either
They have such a wide range of styles and genres and they were making one major feature film every year from 1939 - 1951. How long does it take to make a big feature film nowadays?
Steve
How strange... It just so happens that I saw Seventh Seal a few days ago and by sheer coincidence I am about to watch Canterbury Tale this eve. I was actually debating whether to give Seventh Seal a second viewing tonight as well. Will be interesting to see if and how they compare. I think I might be turning into a cinephile.
Skills!
It actually reminded me much of a film made the same year, BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, although this one is super subtle. I hope I don't need a spoiler there, but since the film is open ended, perhaps that's just my interpretation.
Games, must we?
When I clicked on this thread I hoped you were going to say The Seventh Seal, the similarities are huge! Whilst Max Von S is my fave living actor I do prefer A Canterbury Tale, the ending is more uplifting
It will happen this way
I think there's also a The Trouble with Harry vibe...
http://jmoneyyourhoney.filmaf.com/owned