Mindwalk
(VHS videotape 1:52)
MINDWALK is a wonderful stroll for anyone who has struggled to bridge the apparent intellectual chasms between Science/Industry, Art/Philosophy and Politics/Humanity. In a spartan 112 minutes, Liv Ullman (a disenchanted scientist), Sam Waterston (a disappointed ex-Presidential candidate), and John Heard (a disaffected poet and American ex-patriot living in self-imposed exile in France) conduct a three-way verbal wrestling match which touches upon the major topics of historical and contemporary importance. Well reasoned, well-argued, and politely presented, each viewpoint presents a jaw-breaker’s wad of truth to chew. Adding brilliantly to the ambiance, the entire movie is set in the ancient abbey Mont St. Michel on the coast of France where each participant has headed for a bit of quiet contemplation in the wake of their distinct personal crises.
Mindwalk is based on the book “The Turning Point” by Fritjof Capra who also co-wrote the screenplay. Many will recognize Capra (no relation to film-maker Frank Capra) as the author of the highly acclaimed book “The Tao of Physics”. His son, Bernt Capra, directs the film with a low-key realism which takes advantage of the unique setting while making the characters’ high-minded dialogue seem not only believable but urgent. The crowning touch is a musical score by the renowned minimalist composer Philip Glass who provides a typically haunting and introspective background perfectly suited to the film’s mood.
From to Descarte to Roosevelt to Pablo Naruda the storyline reflects enlightenment: Mechanistic constructs to Systems Theory, Paternalism to Gaia-Mother-Earth, well-weathered architecture to disposable modern relationships, torture chambers to corporate politics, development of self to selfless community to the cynical realpolitik… not over the course of a 4-year degree, or even a weekend retreat, but within the space of a tightly-packed, attention-commanding 2 hours! Wow!
Interested in fine tuning your worldview? Having trouble thinking of wonderful discussions for an upcoming dinner party? Is it your turn to host a salon and you’d like to jump-start the dialogue? Or do you just want something a little more educational to share with your college-aged offspring? Mindwalk can function as your personal crib-notes prior to an event, a pre-dessert offering, or a send-’em-to-bed-thinking wind-down.
Yes, it IS narrative fiction dealing with those subjects which tend to lead nations to war but, NO, it does not contain explosions, gun-battles, car-chases or hiked skirts… so your cousin Dorkman probably won’t sit still long enough to figure out that this film could catalyze the mental breakthrough which finally brings him life beyond “Survivors” (but let’s be honest, nothing will change Dorkman’s life).
Also recommended for the avid reader are these wide-scoped books which explore related territory, albeit in much more comprehensive (and certainly less easily digestible) form:
- Fritjof Capra “Tao of Physics”
- Victor Mansfield “Science, Synchronicity and Soul-Making”
- Gary Zukaw “The Dancing Wu Li Masters”
- George Leonard “The Silent Pulse”
- Ken Wilber “A Brief History of Everything”
The Alter-Nation Project is currently working to make both the video and book
titles mentioned above available through our $tuff pages. In the meantime, check
your local independent video rental or bookstore. To be placed on our
mailing list for notification when these titles become available for puchase
send your name and e-mail address to $tuff@alter-nation.com
with “MINDWALK” in the subject line.