Into Great Silence
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Into Great Silence |
Into Great Silence
Released: 29th December 2006
It will be shown in cinemas across England and Wales until 14th March 2007.
On this page you will find: a film synopsis, reflections, links, articles, Director's comment, books, freebies and more...
As a young filmmaker, Philip Gröning approached the monks of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, located high in the French Alps, to inquire whether he might make a documentary of their lives – lived for the most part under a vow of silence – and their faith. 16 years later, they answered him: this film is the result. Watching Gröning’s film you soon acclimatise to its rhythm and come to appreciate the virtues of a life lived outside the noise and chaos of the modern world.
Philip Gröning, Director and Winner of the European Film Academy Documentary 2006 – Prix Arte
A Film That Raises Questions and Leaves You To Discover The Answers
This remarkable film provides a snapshot of a life of silence; it’s a lifestyle that few can comprehend, yet alone try out. What or who is it that sustains the life of these monks who rarely venture beyond the walls of the monastery, and who rarely talk? What’s their secret and are they happy? Is there something that contemporary men and women can learn from these men who seem to have been ‘seduced by God’?
“One should have no fear of death, on the contrary! The closer one brings oneself to God the
happier one is.” Said by one of the monks in the film.
Clare Attended A London Screening Of The Film And Shares Her Impressions
“This film provided me with an unparalleled experience. I’ve done many things in my life for a buzz and to get a high. Into Great Silence is mysterious, spiritual, charming and at times harsh. All in all, with the monks, I felt like I had been led to an altogether other realm. Wow!”
High Praise
“Into Great Silence is not merely a cinematic museum piece it’s a story with a beating heart.”
Cardinal Poupard, President, Pontifical Council for Culture, The Vatican
Poor Clare Nun, Sr Clare Agnes, Went To A Screening Of The Film And Shares Her Reflections
“I felt that the film provided some very good impressions of the exterior aspects of the life, however what contemplative life is about goes on INSIDE… I thought the attention to detail, like the bowl leaning against the cupboard and gently rocking, and the fruit on the shelf, and the shots of their huge Office books were good. I liked the fun bits - feeding the cats and sliding down the hill on their bottoms! I suppose what I am left with now is the peace and contentment on the faces of the monks in those shots of them just looking at the camera. I think without the words of the blind monk at the end, who put it all in perspective with his simplicity and peacefulness, it wouldn't have had the same impact. That, somehow, made it all worthwhile.”
Silence, Meditation And Prayer
The life of the monks centres on these three axes. They are the source of deep peace and joy for the community members and are things which those living outside the monastery can also benefit from. But how do you get started? Try our A, B, C resources.
http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/spirituality-prayer/
http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/spirituality-prayer/expressionofprayers.html
http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/spirituality-prayer/gettingstarted.html
Catholic Encyclopaedia: Silence
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13790a.htm
Daily Meditations To Download
http://www.pray-as-you-go.org.uk/
(Image: Colour illustration by Elizabeth Wang. The Littlest Prayer. Copyright (c) Radiant Light 2004. All rights reserved. www.radiantlight.org.uk)
This is a phrase which is repeated throughout the film, but what does it mean? Is this the right vocabulary to be using in relation to monastic life?
Image: one of the monks who features in the film. Courtesy of Soda Pictures.
Read an in-depth interview with the film’s Director.
Director’s Comment
“My film does not have to answer all the questions… Today, we’re literally flooded with information. What’s missing – and what one must find out on one’s own – is the meaning of things. My film also wants to be a film about the viewer himself, about his perceptions, his thoughts. He should focus on himself. It is also a film about contemplation. Just think: on average, the monks spend 65 years of their life there – 65 years in which they carry out the same rituals day after day. I cannot explain the meaning of this to any viewer… I think this is the only way that I was able to make this film; by not giving the viewer any directions, but leaving him his freedom.”
Source: Soda Pictures, Press Pack.
Image: Director, Philip Gröning. Copyright: Philip Gröning.
Signs And Symbols
The film features a vast array of Catholic signs and symbols, but what do they mean? http://www.life4seekers.co.uk/ourclubcommunity/signssymbols.html
Pause for a moment to relax, be still, and seek the face of God.
Links
Into Great Silence Official Website
http://www.diegrossestille.de/english/
The Carthusian Order
The Catholic Encyclopaedia: Carthusians
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03388a.htm
Wikipedia: Carthusians
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carthusian
Carthusians: the largest Charterhouse in Europe
http://www.parkminster.org.uk/site.php?use=default
The Catholic Encyclopaedia: St Bruno
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03014b.htm
Catholic Forum: Bruno
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb14.htm
Catholic Online: St Bruno
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=575
Articles
Pope Hails the Life of Cloistered Religious Says Their Communities Are "Green Lungs" for Society.
Source: Zenit News Service, Nov. 19th, 2006. (Text doc.)
In Praise of Cloistered Religious: "Silently Witness That God Is the Only Support That Never Falters."
Source: Zenit News Service, Nov. 19th, 2006. (Text doc.)
The Guardian Newspaper Review
http://www.guardian.co.uk/religion/Story/0,,1960431,00.html#article_continue
Image: Inside the monastery. Copyright: Philip Gröning
Books
Hear Our Silence: A Journey Into Prayer by John Skinner, Gracewing. ISBN: 0 85244 612 8
Sounding The Silence by John Skinner, Gracewing. ISBN: 0 85244 589 X
Finding Sanctuary: Monastic Steps for Everyday Life by Abbot Christopher Jamison
Press Reaction
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117928191.html?categoryid=31&cs=1
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,26989-2307316.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4583670.stm
Freebies
If you would like to receive a free information pack please e-mail us. Please include your full name and address.
Events
10th February, HEAR OUR SILENCE. This one day workshop will help you discover the power of silent prayer. It takes its name and inspiration from the silence of the Cathusian prayer, where it is the seeker who journeys into the silent desert of the heart, in order to encounter God. As John Skinner says, “In the silence of Self we may encounter an Other far greater than the I of me.” If you find that silence can be intimidating, then come and discover that it can also invite! Time: 9.30 for 10am to 4pm. Includes coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Day leaders: John and Judith Skinner both came to silence, but by different routes. John wrote a book ‘Hear our Silence’ which told of his encounter with the Carthusians, an Order of hermit monks dedicated to silent prayer. Judith, who has worked for over 25 years as a psychotherapist, firmly believes that the psychotherapeutic process of silence is a spiritual exercise of healing power. Cost: £45. Venue: The Ammerdown Centre (an ecumenical foundation), Ammerdown Park, Radstock BA3 5SW. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on email: centre@ammerdown.org or tel: 01761 433709.
Catholic Experience Weekend, North Wales
26th - 28th January 2007
A donation only, tailor-made event, for people enquiring or interested in Catholic spirituality, is being offered in one of the most picturesque parts of North Wales. The Franciscan Friary at Pantasaph, Flintshire, is opening wide its doors to offer a unique experience. For more information please see: www.life4seekers.co.uk or phone the Friary on 01352 - 711 053. Everyone is welcome.
May this web page be a source of immense blessing for you in your search. The team at Life4seekers have found the fulfilment of their deepest desires in the person of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We will hold you in prayer. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of service.
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