Apr. 14, 2007
Into Great Silence
This past week I went to see an interesting movie with a friend of mine.
The movie, Die Große Stille (Into Great Silence) had its beginnings when documentary film maker, Philip Groning, wrote the Carthusian monastery of Grande Chartreuse in the French Alps and asked permission to make a documentary. They told him they would get back to him. Sixteen years later they said they were ready.
I enjoy artsy films and documentaries and have several that I could recommend, but not one that clocks in at 2 hours and 45 mins., without any narration, and only about 5 mins of dialog. Really! Who was in charge of editing?
There were parts I truly enjoyed and parts that made me want to go visit (if I could). It was beautiful and quite interesting to see what happens inside a monastery dedicated to silence and the inner spiritual life. But much of the film you are left wondering, "What is going on and who is that person?" It would have been nice to have someone guide us through. It also reminded me of the times I tried to watch a liturgical service on TV. I don't know why but they just don't translate well to the screen. I wonder if it is similar with a movie of this type. One needs to experience it, not watch it in the theaters.
And yes, I have officially joined the ranks of "old person". I fell asleep during part of the film. I blame it on a bad combination of insomnia the night before and a 2:30pm showing. Besides, how long could I watch the snow falling without succumbing? At least I didn't snore or drool.
**photo copyright by Philip Gröning
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Ancient Faith Radio
Apr. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment
The movie sounds good, thank you.
- Mimi