In Pursuit of Silence

Greetings again from the darkness. "Silence is a sound of many qualities." Director Patrick Shen explores this sentiment as he reminds us what an important role silence (or at least quiet) can play in our lives.

There are many interviews and insights from experts (like author George Prochnik) … each in agreement that the benefits to silence are many. To be clear, we are speaking to the silence associated with things like rustling leaves, flowing water, and rolling waves. We are talking about the process invoked in Japanese Tea Houses, and the steps for meditation.

We are informed that silence has a positive influence on four areas: Physiological, Psychological, Cognitive and Physical. In fact, deep forest walks are used as treatments and prevention, and have shown signs of improving immune systems.

Most of us have noticed how uncluttered our mind becomes as we relax by the shore or on a mountain. Mr. Shen's film has plenty of quiet time around the interviews, and even in a movie theatre, these peaceful times have quite an impact.

The point is made that we have substituted technology for human interaction … even in place of interaction with our own self. We have left only the tiniest space for reflective thought … the kind of thought that reduces stress and results in clarity within life.

For those who have never experienced it, the film offers a display of composer John Cage's infamous 4'33" (4 minutes, 33 seconds) piece with three movements … each with complete silence from the orchestra. The idea sprang from his Zen lessons, and now for more than 60 years has been startling audiences into a pleasant state of appreciation. The film drives home the point that we should all find time to quiet our soul.

Amazing artistic movie, perfect balance of beautiful visuals and even more beautiful and beatific theme: silence. Must watch. it has lot of zen moments which as a viewer i felt transcended to another plane. a rare experience.

This documentary was fantastic. the cinematography was amazing , the places that has been shot were wonderful .the colors were marvelous, and everything was great . it was educational and I learned many thing from it . I really enjoyed watching it and I recommend it.

8/10

The syntax does the semantic of this film justice. With eroding attention spans, the ability to appreciate a movie like this must also be diminishing. As a long time seeker of silence in the outdoors, it is remarkable how accurately this piece of art tells the story.

Some people who've never considered the topic could be helped by watching this. Others will find familiar material, but it was well-done.

I'd have liked it to be more of an activist film, rather than a resigned documentation, but I guess that's the way it is.

I was surprised that they only showed a very brief clip of one of the biggest, growing threats to rural silence and visual aesthetics (hint: IWT). Was that political-correctness or an oversight?