Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set) Sale
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!
Description
Into Great Silence (Two-Disc Set) Customer Review
The screen silently opens to reveal a lone monk quietly and deeply in prayer. He is so still one wonders if this is really a photograph. But, ever so slight movements from his mouth assure that this is indeed no photo and the camera simply continues to linger on his entranced like kneeling form.
From there, a title card quotes 1 Kings concerning how the LORD was found not in the earthquake or in the lightning, but in a small whisper (19:11-12). Thus begins "Into Great Silence," Director Philip Groening's spiritual odyssey into the simple monastic lives of the monks of the Carthusian Order; one of the most strictly ascetic monastic orders within the Roman Catholic Church.
Philip Groening had originally sent a letter of request to film the lives of the Carthusian Order based at the Grand Chartreuse. Twenty years later they accepted his request. Groening lived and worked among the Order while filming.
Rather than rely on a more traditional narrative format found in other documentaries, Groening aims at seeing that the film's flow is more in harmony with this movie's title. And, he does it most beautifully and provocatively, making this film one of the richest spiritual experiences recorded as more of a contemplative work than a typical documentary.
We receive an inside view into monks' daily lives, from their hours of prayer, to labor out in the garden, and in other simple activities like one certain monk's feeding of cats, which makes for an entertaining and amusing scene. We also witness the passing of time and seasons changing at a deliberate pace. Day darkens into night, and night passes by to be illuminated again by day. The snowy cold winter melts into the bright sunshine of Spring, and then back into Winter all without hesitation and acceptance as if through the monks' eyes.
The Order's Rule involves a Vow of Silence, but on Sundays, the brothers are allowed to walk outside and engage in conversation with one another. They make the most of this time. And, a scene with the monks sliding down a snow covered hill in winter reminds viewers that though they're in a strict Order, the brothers haven't forgotten how to have fun!
This way of life is shown to bring peace and joy. A sense of peace and joy which is shared to the audience by a blind monk who speaks directly to the camera; one of the few talking spots in a film truly dedicated to Silence and the spiritual realities beneath. The film conveys the Order's way of life in its motto: "Stat crux dum volvitur orbis, which is Latin for "The Cross is steady while the world is turning."
★★★ Read More Reviews ★★★
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