Starring: Peter Brook Directed By: Peter Brook Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Feature: Classic film now available on DVD! Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: Morning Light Press Number of Items: 1 Publication Date: 2005 Release Date: January 01, 1997 Running Time: 108 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Product Description: Based upon Gurdjieff's book, Meetings with Remarkable Men is the story of his search through the Middle East and Central Asia for answers to the question of the meaning of life. The film, directed by Peter Brook, was made on location in the mountains and deserts of Afghanistan, and has been widely acclaimed for its unique visual beauty. A stunning adaptation to the screen.
gurdjieff not a charlatan Gurdjieff was not a con man or a charlatan. He predicted the clash between the West and East. He regarded the energy of American culture as a possible agent of preventing the destructive potentiality of this clash. But he also observed America's obsession with "dollars, sex and food" as an obstacle. His system clearly has within it, among other predictive notions, the periodic table, the existence of other planetary bodies within the solar system, and has a breadth of knowledge of science, religion, art, philosophy, history, psychology not found in any western streams of thought or understanding. In fact his intention was to synthesize eastern awareness with western practical notions in order to prevent the destruction the inevitable clash might bring about. He used music and dance in a practical way for his students. This film has some very rare videos of the kind of dance he taught. It is hypnotic and unlike anything youve ever seen. In the 1920s his students, under his direction, performed similar dances(and other demonstrations)at Carnegie Hall in New York. A reading of the newspapers of the day indicate these were a sensation at the time. The movie used Jean Salzmann as an advisor, the former dancer who was one of his chief followers and whom he intended to be the principal teacher of his system in France after he died. However, he deliberately fostered the notion that he was a charlatan and fraud, as the first obstacle to be removed, he knew, was one's own egoism and failure to understand that we are ignorant, have no unified identity and lack real will. Those unable to see through his ruse were those not able to receive his teaching anyway, and were of no use to his greater purpose. Hence his intention was never to make it easy to understand his ideas or methods. This obstacle still remains, as he intended it to, and there are many false teachers using his name for their own purposes - which he also knew was inevitable. This movie is based on the book he wrote, which deceptively appears to be a straightforward account of some episodes in his life. The movie sets out only to cinematically present some of them and to ask the essential and universal questions he addressed in his teachings. In the book much is buried - much more so than in the movie - and should be construed as a series of parables.
Meetings With Remarkable Men The DVD was execellent! It was too short, but if you read the book, it was better understood.
At last available Well, We had to wait rather long but it was worth it. It was send and delivered very quick.
A Remarkable Film Gurdjieff was a con man and charlatan, exemplifying the worst aspects of the new age movement. The quality of this film is more a testament to the artistic vision of the director than the limitations of the source material. The main character, in his devotion and sincerity, should not be confused with the real Gurdjieff. Throughout, the tone is respectful, serious, reverential. This is coupled with the stunning beauty of the Middle Eastern and Central Asian setting. The music plays an important role as well; each new locale in the characters' journey is introduced by a distinctive musical style. The dance sequences at the conclusion are stunning and unforgettable.
My sole criticism is of the DVD itself, which lacks the scene selection option. Unfortunately, the only other option is VHS, unacceptable based on the abysmal sound quality of the tape I viewed. This film's score demands the fidelity that DVD offers over VHS.
In its treatment of the search for spiritual fulfillment, this film appeals to the highest elements of human nature. Heretofore only offered by Bookworld, I can only hope that its recent availability on Amazon will expose it to a wider audience.
Finally available After many years of waiting-there it is ,finally made it to DVD! One of the best films ever. The music is worth an award.Then the locations are something you don't get to see often.And some of the actors are just incredible in their authenticity. It might not be everybodys cup of tea and certainly was never a very commercial movie but the depth and insight into the subject is fantastic.It sort of creates that particular longing to free the knowledge that resides in all of us about who we are and what it is that really matters and that will lead us home. The book ist still better as there is more in it, but nevertheless this movie is it's own version and interpretation that can help us to get in touch with this subject in an additional and beautiful way. Along with "Circle of Iron"(David carradine)and the movies of Alejandro Jodorowsky this is one of the best of this genre and surely one you will not forget so easily again. Also read "The teachers of Gurdjieff"by Rafael LeFort (Pseudonym).
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