The Seventh Seal

Ingmar Bergman, 89, July 30: Director Bergman, considered one of the masters of modern cinema, created landmark films such as "The Seventh Seal," "Cries and Whispers" and "Scenes From a Marriage," infusing elements of his Swedish culture -- darkness, gloom, summer merriment ... more-- into cinematic experiences that influenced generations of filmgoers and filmmakers. Though many of his films dealt with the subject of mortality, Bergman once said, "I was terribly scared of death." One of his most devoted disciples, Woody Allen, said in tribute that Bergman was "probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera." (Stillphoto/Sunshine/Retna Ltd.)