description Into Great Silence Overview
“Into Great Silence documents life within the Grande Chartreuse monastery, home to Carthusian monks since the 17th century. The film captures their centuries-old contemplative practices and offers a rare glimpse into a highly structured religious existence. It’s notable for its extended filming period secured after sixteen years of waiting for permission. This documentary is relevant for those interested in monastic life, religious history, or philosophical reflection.”
help Into Great Silence FAQ
How long did Philip Gröning wait to get permission to film the Carthusian monks?
Director Philip Gröning waited 16 years after his initial request before the monks of the Grande Chartreuse monastery granted him permission to film. The resulting documentary, "Into Great Silence," was released in 2005.
Is there any narration or voiceover in "Into Great Silence"?
No, the film has virtually no narration, relying instead on ambient monastery sounds, sparse subtitled dialogue, and long observational shots to convey the rhythm of Carthusian life. This silence mirrors the monks' own vow of silence, which is central to their spiritual practice established by Saint Bruno in 1084.
Where was "Into Great Silence" filmed?
The documentary was filmed at the Grande Chartreuse monastery, the motherhouse of the Carthusian Order, located in the Chartreuse Mountains near Grenoble in the French Alps. The monastery is notoriously closed to outsiders, which makes the footage extremely rare.
How long is the runtime of "Into Great Silence"?
The film runs approximately 162 minutes, or nearly three hours, reflecting the deliberately slow pace of monastic daily life. Critics have noted that this extended duration is essential to the film's immersive spiritual atmosphere rather than a drawback.
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