Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set)
by Philip Groning
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DVD details
Actor: The Carthusian OrderDirector: Philip Groning
Brand: Zeitgeist Films
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); English (Original Language); French (Original Language); Latin (Original Language)
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 162 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-10-23
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Zeitgeist Films
DVD Reviews of Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set)
DVD Review: Contemplation CINEMA
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this DVD cold, having no idea if I'd enjoy it, or find it unbearably boring. Like prayer, contemplation, or a long quiet walk to the woods, you REALLY have to be in the mood for this film. Because unlike any film I know, this film explores THE QUIET, the inner silence. Normally, we might get a glipse of this life at a retreat, or as a novice at a monestary, or hermitage. Yet this film takes us FAR inside the lifestyle of Carthusian Monks in the French Alps, who look for spirituality in the midst of total silence, except for their communial liturgical lives. There is no backround soundtrack. There is no voice over about the order, their history, or the lives of individual monks. There is no actual script. Some words slip past, from a distance, when the younger monks go up the swiss alps to go sledding in the snow, or the interview with the ancient blind monk, who reflects on his life, at the end of the film. However, from the point of view of VISUAL intensity, one doesnt miss the lack of dialogue, or soundtrack, etc. Instead of long, revealing interviews with the individual monks, we're given still, quiet film portrayts of the men, looking like living Icons of Saints. Viewing the stillness, simplicity and quietude of their lives, gives you ALL the dialouge you need. After all, these monks appear so far past their egos, it appears EVERYONE there has the same motivations towards a life of silent contemplation of the Divine, as the old, blind monk does.
There are some Psalm quotes from time to time, thrown on the screen. Somehow thru the total renunciation of expectations for cinema this film demands, even the quotes become repeated, as tho the quotes themselves were Koans, meditation points, etc. "I was looking to be seduced, and God seduced me" is the jist of one such quote, which is repeated. What COULD be talked about, doesnt need to be. The film communicates thru the language of silence. But, it DOES communicate all that needs be known. We know that one of the new Novices cant take the scene, and leaves his books and monk's robes outside the Head Novice's office, with a note, that says, "Dear Brother" (in french.) What more can be said? We see their daily lives very intimately. How they eat. How they shave their hair. How they get new clothing. Little details that tell more than a thousand page book could. What amazed me more than anything, were that these transcendental men, who renounce everything, join the most contemplative order left on earth, in near total silence, yet allow Groening's camera to share their lives. Groening, the director, had visited this monestary some 16 years before the filming, and wanted to be granted permission to make a documentary. The Abbot said, "no, not yet, but perhaps later." He waited 16 years, for his permission to film. All good things come to those that wait. TALK ABOUT DEDICATION, persistance, and focus on the filmmaker's part. The structure of the film is simple. It begins in wintertime, high in the picturesque French alps, at an ancient monestary with about 20 monks, who are responsible for producing CHARTREUSE liquour. We see new monks become investured, watch the snow melt, see summer thunderstorms, watch a vespers service in almost total darkness, all in all a life that reflects back to the middle ages, or maybe far older still. Except for the modern glasses some monks wear, the film's a living slice of anthropology, from a form of christianity, that has practically disappeared. (Contemplative orders like this, are nearly gone.) The film's end are the first snows of Fall. And, what better method could expose the life of these men, than the change of seasons, that symbolizes the liturgical year?
If anyone has ever wondered what life might be in a clostered contemplative setting, get the film. I would not call it an easy film to watch. For those who might have found Tarkovsky's films like SOLARIS a bit slow, this film will seem glacial. In a sense, without a meditative mood on the part of the viewer, the film is impossible to watch. Yet, when you DO watch the film, and project yourself into the stunning beauty of the setting, the "cast of non-characters" surrounding you with ritual and prayer, a sense of peace, a breather from the distractions of life may grace you. Now, what better way to explain these men, and their reasons for living this life, than to embrace thru the art of cinema, the total contemplative milieu they embrace? Its the next best thing to being there.
Now, a quick word on the extras on Disc Two. You have a nice little documentary about the making of the famous Chartreuse liquour, that lasts nearly an hour. The monk who heads the production of this liquour actually TALKS. They filmed Vespers, one of the daily offices. Then, there's some "normal documentary" features which show Carthusian monestaries around the world, a making of section, etc. So, besides the two and a half plus hour feature on DISC 1, you get another three hours on Disc two. As for recommendations for who would find such a film interesting, you really SHOULD search your heart, to see if you have a vocation to watch the film. (I'm not kidding.) For active order Catholic or Episcopalian monks or nuns, INTO GREAT SILENCE would let you see how the "REAL MEN" renunciate. Seriously, it takes temperance, fortitude, conviction and incredible courage, to throw a young life away, and accept this life. If the movie shows you nothing, it shows you THAT. So, if you enjoy retreats at monestaries, or like listening to monks Chant, or work closely with the Church, or love mideaval culture, or something along those lines, I think you'd enjoy the film's esthetic. The most simple question to ask yourself, before you purchase such an unusual piece of cinema, is this: "Do I have a prayer life, that has ever touched upon contemplation?" Because this film's language isnt Latin, or French, but the language of SILENCE. As far as I know, there are no subtitles for SILENCE, so unless you know THAT language, you might not understand what this film is saying.
Description of Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set)
Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks quarters for six months filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict one it has no score, no voiceover and no archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light. One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created, INTO GREAT SILENCE dissolves the border between screen and audience with a total immersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than documentary, it s a rare, transformative experience for all.DISC ONE, THE FILM:
Breathtaking 16:9 anamorphic transfer, created from Hi-Def elements
U.S. theatrical trailer
Optional English subtitles
DISC TWO, THE EXTRAS:
The Making of Into Great Silence : With behind-the-scenes footage,
location photos and handwritten notes from the monks
Additional scenes, including a segment on the preparation of the
Carthusian s world-famous Chartreuse liqueur
Night Mass
The Carthusian Order : An informative guide to the rules, architecture, and
daily schedules of the monks and the monasteries
Extensive photo, poster, and press kit galleries
And more!
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