Oct
DVD: Into Great Silence
About two years ago, a wonderfully challenging film hit our shelves depicting the life of a group of Carthusians. With Into Great Silence came an immediate impact and a wide rush of fans of the film. What is it that makes this particular documentary so unique?
It’s the silence. Throughout the entire film, most of the noises people hear are limited to prayers, the wind, coughs, and creaking floors. It is perhaps the most realistic portrayal of the life behind cloister walls in an extremely contemplative order. We watch the monks go through their daily routines, rising early, praying, working, praying, and caring for one another. But primarily in silence.
The silence can be inspiring to some; to others, it’s deafening. I fell hard into the latter group. While watching this two and a half hour film, I had to take several breaks. Still, for that difficulty it poses, the rewards are incredible. Watching the film, I became far more appreciative of the dedication and wills of these monks, while they serve God with their actions, bending their wills to not speak to one another.
While we have had several customers come through to discuss the film’s beauty and presence, one of the most interesting was from a seminarian. At the time, his seminary showed the film for a group of students. He remarked that a few of his classmates did have to step out of the room from time to time, just to know that the silence was limited to the screen.
If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating, captivating, and thoroughly challenging film, click on the image. Please note that for groups who wish to study this film, a study guide booklet is available, as well. It is a wonderful opportunity to challenge yourself, to grow in grace, and to appreciate the dedication shown by our religious throughout the world.