Mindwalk

It might be a little hyperbolic for me to say this movie changed my life, but it has certainly been a mainstay since a friend and I discovered it quite by accident several years ago. We knew Fritjof Capra as an author and knew that one of his books is what brother Bernt used as a skeleton for the movie. I find it HIGHLY ENTERTAINING over and over to this very day, because I understand that GOOD CONVERSATION is a lost and discounted art. This movie captures, in a breath-takingly beautiful and dynamic setting, one of the best dialogues in the history of thought. It communicates in relatively simple terms some of the most important and expansive issues of today, but it does not spoon-feed the viewer. It includes discourse on politics, scientific concepts, influences on perspective, as well as having some great lines, interesting quotes, and memorable, well-presented poetry. Its theme is to communicate through dialogue, monologue, descriptive prose, music, guided visual imagery, constant changes in setting (all in one locale, VERY IMPRESSIVE cinematographical work) and (yes) even drama and antagonism between the characters. The theme is borne of a new school of thought, and understanding and assimilating the message is something a person can actually do to make the a world better place.

Mindwalk is a synthesis of physics, politics and poetry. I use the film when I teach about atoms, and the history of science. It is an excellent tool for teaching scientific debate. I have never heard a negative from my students. I have had a lot of questions generated. This coming spring my science club is going to tackle two Capra books, the Tao of Physics and The Turning Point.

ANY film that causes students to ask questions is of value.

The film is as interesting in the What the Bleep film. My major love for Mindwalk is that it does not change in currency, it is as new today as it was when I began using it 6 years ago.

The actors are wonderful. The scenery is beautiful, and the dialog is divine.

Being an egghead of sorts and a student of so many philosophies, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie the first time I watched it, and each time after that. Sam Waterston, Liv Ullman, and John Heard star as 3 people who meet by chance while touring an island. They then spend the rest of the movie talking about various scientific and philosophical concepts. There are brief (and very wooden) appearances by Ione Skye as the daughter of Liv's character.

The topics they discuss are fairly heady, but despite the edgy nature of their topics, the discussion never becomes heated or even mildly animated. Others have made the perfectly valid point that the dialog is one-sided, and I completely agree. Topics of this kind of importance and scope demand a discussion with all viewpoints represented. Otherwise, it can't approach the real heart of the issue, and it spirals rapidly into intellectual propaganda. These are good topics and valid points; they deserve better treatment. Nonetheless, the movie was enlightening on some levels.

I you're going to watch it, don't watch it to be entertained or awed by an auteur's cinematic masterpiece (which this isn't); watch it to expand your mind. Pay no attention to the plot (thin as it is) or the acting (stiff and clumsy at times). Just open your mind to the ideas expressed, then think about it after the movie has ended, because the topics discussed can go so much farther. The movie falls a bit short in expressing them; you'll have to finish the journey yourself.

IMHO: I stumbled across the work by chance; it happens that the subject matter has everything to do with exactly that. Then I decided it was worth further review, and behold, couldn't locate it for months. Figures. Finding it only recently, I'll skip the storyline that others have analyzed to death or something like that, and merely emphasize that it has its' points --- and I was surprised to find Sam Waterston and Liv Ullman at work in such manner. It's a strange movie that doesn't fit most of "the rules", indeed cerebral yet not really to preach an aspect but to instill wonderment. Joe 6-packs might not easily relate up front at first but if they would just try and ponder ---

I'm inherently biased being a scientist though that's exactly NOT what the theme is truly about despite the honest bent: perspective, practicality, necessity, and compromise.

Nice camera work on location, too. Give it more than a once-over if you can, time not wasted.

I had first seen the trailer for this movie when watching Kafka & was instantly interested. It was well worth the money I spent! This movie really made me think. Sam Waterston (LAW & ORDER) was excellent in this role. He was just facinating in his diversity of acting. Liv Ulman who I had never seen until this movie kept me listening & John Heard was great too. If you like to think & like to watch just strict drama I recommend watching this movie. You have to be ready to just sit & watch . There is not body count or sex in this film. It's just pure, simple & facinating thinking. Oh yeah & catch Kafka if you can too great movie!