In Pursuit of Silence (2015)

A film about our relationship with silence and the impact of noise on our lives.

Director:

Patrick Shen

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Storyline

In Pursuit of Silence is a meditative film about our relationship with silence and the impact of noise on our lives. In our race towards modernity, amidst all the technological innovation and the rapid growth of our cities, silence is now quickly passing into legend. From the Desert Fathers of the third century AD who became the model for Christian monasticism to John Cage's seminal work 4'33" which would go onto inspire a generation of artists, humankind has had a long fascination with silence. In Pursuit of Silence will be the first comprehensive look at this topic whose many dimensions lie at the heart of so much of human progress. Offering audiences a contemplative cinematic experience, the sights and sounds of this film will work its way through frantic minds, into the quiet spaces of hearts, and help shape a new vision of being.

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Plot Keywords:

silence | noise | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

official site Official site

Country:

USA Belgium China Germany Hong Kong India Japan Taiwan UK

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

23 June 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

W poszukiwaniu ciszy

Filming Locations:

Bombay, India

Box Office

Budget:

$400,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,141, 23 June 2017, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$29,440, 26 October 2017

Company Credits

Production Co:

Transcendental Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

shhh!

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.