Event

Into Great Silence

Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the worldâs most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip GrÃ¶ning 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. GrÃ¶ning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monksâ quarters for six monthsâfilming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict oneâit 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, itâs a rare, transformative theatrical experience for all.

USA, 2006,162 min., color â¢ Director: Philip GrÃ¶ning

âEloquent. Both humble and exalted. You surrender to INTO GREAT SILENCE as you would to a piece of music. I hesitate, given the early date and the projectâs modesty, to call INTO GREAT SILENCE one of the best films of the year. I prefer to think of it as the antidote to all of the others.â â A.O.Scott, NEW YORK TIMES