Frederick Wiseman 1971-1980 Documentary USA

Frederick Wiseman – Essene (1972) (HD)

adminFebruary 1, 2023

1 469

In contrast to the oppressive rigour of Wiseman’s earlier subjects – including High School (1968) and Basic Training (1971) – this investigation into an organised social structure is tender and serene, revolving around the activities of a Benedictine monastery. In one beautiful scene we hear a Japanese monk asking his brothers to pray for the innocents in Hiroshima; later, a plain-clothes monk heads into town to buy a potato peeler.

Essene is particularly striking as a secular film about the deep inner workings of religion, and its points of emphasis undercut any chance of polemic. There’s no crisis of faith here, but instead a debate about the etiquette of monks addressing their brethren by first name.