The silence of devotion

This German documentary by Philip Groning takes a long hard look at the hidden lives in a remote monastery in the French Alps, The Grand Chartreuse. Founded in the 12th. Century among the most rigorous and pious of all Catholic orders the Carthusians, whose lifestyle would appear to be very bleak indeed to many of us, yet the monks are serene and happy in their devotions and worship of God. These monks live in solitude mostly alone in small cells light years away from today's noise racked world.

Given the nature of the material one might expect it will have limited appeal, a film for the faithful or the simply curious. Yet it is the very structure of the movie gets you in, despite its stoic length and shots lasting an excruciating time on the screen. The ponderous rhythm and repetitive scenes forcing you into experiencing in some small way the solitary life of these dedicated people.

There is no commentary or music other than the chants of the monks, so much takes place in absolute silence except for minor background sounds. (In fact audience noise may irritate you, there ought to be a ban on popcorn or crisps during screenings). The monks have taken a vow of silence and only converse when they are out on walks away from the buildings. Then they talk about mundane matters like the benefits of washing your hands. So towards the end of the film when a blind monk with curtain like eyebrows actually speaks directly to camera it makes an immediate impression. His comments sum up his beliefs, not to be frightened of death as it brings you closer to God, and everything that happens to you is God's will and is good for your soul, so you should be happy through life.

The film captures the repetitive sameness of their lives. We watch them pray, attend mass, welcome novices, prepare meals, work in the snow covered yard, get haircuts, feed cats, and many other everyday tasks. It is a hard life especially so for the many elderly. Something of a joy to see them actually have some fun in the snow on one happy occasion. We pass through the seasons slowly without change to the everyday eternal rituals.

Visually rich in images, there are some beautiful shots - the powerful silent close ups of the monks staring right at you, the snow covered peaks and lush forests surrounding Chartreuse, and the remarkable building itself. It is a pity a number of the interior scenes have been filmed in low light with video and the quality is poor, grainy blurred images detract from the overall quality of the film and continuity is not always smooth. It gives an amateurish look to otherwise professional work.

Yet a praiseworthy coverage of a difficult subject which was shot over months living with the monks and took fifteen years before even permission was given for filming. The running time of 160 minutes much in complete silence will daunt a few, but those who dare will win an experience that remains long after you leave the cinema and causes you to reflect on the strength of devotion in some remarkable individuals.

John Bale

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Into Great Silence

Our rating:

Director: Philip Groning
Release: 17 May 2007
Rated: G

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