Into Great Silence
Into Great Silence (2007)
A film by Philip Gröning
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 monk's 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 imersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than documentary, it's a rare, transformative experience for all.
Format: DVD
Region: ALL
Rating: PG
Running time: 162 minutes approx.
Language: French with English subtitles
Director's Two-Disc Special Edition
Disc One:
- Breathtaking 16:9 anamorphic transfer, created from hi-def elements
- U.S. theatrical trailer
- Optional English subtitles
- Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack
Disc Two, Special Features
- One hour of additional scenes, including a piece on the Carthusian's world-famous Chartreuse liqueur
- Night Office: A 53-minute video excerpt of the monks' nightly ritual of psalms, laudes and matins
- The Carthusians: An extensive guide to the history, rules, architecture and paintings of the monasteries worldwide
- Stunning audio and photo galleries of the Grande Chartreuse
- Video statement by Cardinal Poupard, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture at the Vatican
- Making-of- dossier, with the shooting diary, behind-the-scenes footage and handwritten notes from the monks
