The Devil's Trap

When the distinction between gazing towards the heavens and paying attention to the earth freezes into an opposition, authority turns into authoritarianism, scapegoats are sought, and a truer existence, where this opposition would be once again recomposed, seems almost unattainable. The ideas are interesting and the imagery is evocative, yet both seem somehow to fall slightly short of what seem like the filmmaker’s ambitious intentions. Still, a dreamlike atmosphere is effectively conjured.

Vlacil's first film about religious dogmatism and how it conflicts with human desire--in this case the desire for scientific knowledge of the natural world in order to better control it--is not as intense, complex or multi-layered as Marketa or Valley, either thematically or formally, but it's strong in atmosphere and rich in period flavour. The opening shot of a mangled statue of Christ is wonderfully ominous, and the story builds steadily to a satisfying, if convenient, conclusion.

Let me indulge you into what I was thinking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H3gpL7BhAk

I liked this more than Marketa Lazarová; it's a simpler story with more obvious symbolism but definitely recommended.

i liked it more for the direction, cinematography, and the score than it's actual content. which isn't to say it was all style over substance. the story is still engaging. it's just fascinating watching a drama given the atmosphere of a gloomy horror movie.

Another incredible film from Vlacil. So much brilliance; the images are fantastic, the handling of the themes particularly as regards religious control is complex and intelligently done, Vlacil's ability to create mood and have you absolutely immersed in his cinematic world is as always impeccable, the story's developments and the interactions between the characters are riveting to behold. Also the plot has some wonderful ambiguity, and the ending is quietly breathtaking.