Friday, January 04, 2008

I have just seen "Into great silence" documentary movie made by director Philip Groening in 2000 after 16 years of waiting for the permission for the film crew to stay with Carthusian monks in Grand Chartruese monastery in Grenoble and document their lives of deep solitude, prayer and work. St John of the Cross seriously considered joining Carthusians before he was called to Carmel by God's will. It is great film depicting life of deeply ascetic and contemplative religious order established by St Bruno over 900 years ago. 'Must see' to those who are interested in contemplative prayer. Below film description from amazon.com, also available on St Hugh, Parkminster, UK

Review
"One of the transporting film experiences of this or any other year." --Boston Globe

Product Description
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!