Philip Groning (Director, Screenplay, Editor, Cinematographer)
Documentary, Germany 2005, 162 minutes; Philip Groning, Elda Guidinetti, Andres Pfaffli, Michael Weber, Michael Stricker (Producers)
Many years ago I met a charming man who had, for a time, dedicated himself to a silent, enclosed order of monks. His account of the experience made me want to know more about it and I even developed the conceited fantasy that I too should dedicate my life to silence.
Philip Gröning had the same fascination and in 1984 he wrote to the Carthusian Order high in the Chartreuse Mountains and asked them to give him permission to film them. The Order replied that it would let him know when a decision had been made, and sixteen years later (a mere moment in time), it was ready. This documentary is the result.
Gröning lived with the monks for six months during which he closely observed their daily activities - with a camera. Apart from the creaking sounds of the ancient building and the disciplined routine of the monks, the film is mostly silent and establishes a clear sense of the rigorous, ascetic discipline of the life of silent contemplation.
Anyone would think this observant film would be an adequate substitute for those like me, whose egos allow them merely to fantasize about taking eternal vows in a silent order. But the film left me with such a sense of calm and serenity that I cannot understand why it did not spark a stampede of frustrated bourgeoise heading to the Grande Chartreuse in search of the contemplative life.
Watch the trailer:
Documentary, Germany 2005, 162 minutes; Philip Groning, Elda Guidinetti, Andres Pfaffli, Michael Weber, Michael Stricker (Producers)
Philip Gröning had the same fascination and in 1984 he wrote to the Carthusian Order high in the Chartreuse Mountains and asked them to give him permission to film them. The Order replied that it would let him know when a decision had been made, and sixteen years later (a mere moment in time), it was ready. This documentary is the result.
Gröning lived with the monks for six months during which he closely observed their daily activities - with a camera. Apart from the creaking sounds of the ancient building and the disciplined routine of the monks, the film is mostly silent and establishes a clear sense of the rigorous, ascetic discipline of the life of silent contemplation.
Anyone would think this observant film would be an adequate substitute for those like me, whose egos allow them merely to fantasize about taking eternal vows in a silent order. But the film left me with such a sense of calm and serenity that I cannot understand why it did not spark a stampede of frustrated bourgeoise heading to the Grande Chartreuse in search of the contemplative life.
Watch the trailer:
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