The title of this blog is what I say at the box office. I go to the movies at a random time and ask “what is showing next?” — and if I haven’t seen it already, I get a ticket and go in. These are the reviews of the random movies I see.
What’s Showing Next
I had the distinct privilege of being invited to a private screening of this documentary. It’s hard for me to watch some documentaries — I find them filmed from their own perspective, not looking at the subject objectively. That is really not the case with this one. The focus of this film isn’t the personal journey of the filmmaker; it’s about St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Michael Conti’s story is really the catalyst for the film. It stands as an introduction to a nun from the 12th century who is one of the great minds of the Church. She was an abbess who blended her faith with art, music, and science. In her time, she founded two monasteries and wrote extensively on the healing power of stones and spices. A talented musician, she wrote one of the oldest surviving morality plays. It was only recently — October 7, 2012 — that Pope Benedict XVI named her a Doctor of the Church.
The filmmaker talks to people who have been inspired by St. Hildegard. Their study of her work has ensured that her legacy will live on. This film focuses on these passionate people and brings her humanity into the 21st century. Listening to people explain who she was — with genuine affection — gives viewers today an introduction to a truly remarkable woman.
I grew up thinking that a Christian wouldn’t be involved with healing with stones, and that the mystical world would be considered sinful. But Hildegard was instructed by God to write down everything she knew about the natural world. She wrote two books on natural medicine and cures, and illustrated her visions in the book Scivias. Looking at them, they remind me of the mandalas that Tibetan monks create.
There is so much to learn about her that a single film can’t contain all of how remarkable she was. Michael Conti weaves the conversations together to give us the outline of someone who — from what we learn — would have fit in quite naturally today. It’s that sense of realness that makes her an interesting subject and draws people to her story.
It is genuinely hard to translate one’s personal inspirational moment to film and give it the appropriate weight and significance without overdoing it. Mr. Conti uses his experience as a framework for the more important introduction to the woman who has inspired him. He opens the door for the viewer to walk away wanting to know more about the Saint of Bingen — and perhaps allow her to inspire people who are only now learning of her existence.
There is something magical about a person talking about their passion. Mr. Conti has brought together people who have a genuine affection for the Saint. I envy his connection with Saint Hildegard, and I thank him for introducing her to me.
If you will excuse me, I have some reading to do.
Read the original review here.