Documentary or screen savor?

What’s the difference between a silent documentary and a screen savor? A few months ago I read the following about a documentary called “Into Great Silence”:

“INTO GREAT SILENCE fits neatly into the sub-category of films that need to be experienced rather than just watched. Over 162 minutes director Philip Groening films a group of monks who dwell in the Carthusian monastery of the Grande Chartreuse in the French Alps. The monks have taken a vow of silence, and live life at such a gentile pace that it took them 13 years to respond to Groening's request to make a film about them. The subjects of Groening's film fill their days with slow and highly repetitive routines, so the director shoots at a suitably slow pace, highlighting simple tasks such as praying, gardening, cooking, and doing laundry. Groening lived with the monks for four months and worked under strict conditions dictated to him by the order; no voiceover, music, or interviews were to be included in the film, and Groening was to be the sole crew member on the shoot.” - synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/into_great_silence/about.php

I was curious as to how a documentary of this sort would have ever been made. Could you imagine Groening trying to pitch his idea to a producer for the first time?... “Check this out, I want to make a documentary about the most mundane group of people on this planet. These guys all dress the same, do the same thing every day, never leave their home and never speak. There will be no explosions, no fast cars, no impressive special effects, no catchy songs, and no girls.” Somehow, though, Groening was able to make his film. What’s more, he was able to make a beautiful film that was met with critical acclaim.

“Into Great Silence” is not an easy film to watch. It’s long and, as the title reveals, It’s almost completely devoid of sound. Watching the film takes patience and, for me, it took several sittings and more than a few cups of coffee. Watching the movie, though, was an incredibly rewarding experience. “Into Great Silence” is a movie about subtlety and reflection. Groening’s filming style invites his viewers to go beyond voyeurism; to participate in the monastic life.

“Into Great Silence” raised theological questions in my mind. Is there a place for monasticism in the Church? Are these monks fulfilling The Great Commission in which Christ commands his followers to “Go into the word and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation”? The answers to these questions may not be as clear in your mind after seeing the devotion these men men have to the life of prayer.

I wouldn’t recommend this film to you if you’re easily distracted or easily bored. But if you’re up to the task, it’s definitely worth your time.