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Monte Grande: What is Life? streaming

2005 Movie Switzerland Documentary 80 min
By: Franz Reichle With: Jean-Pierre Dupuy, The Dalai Lama, Francisco Varela

How is it possible for body and mind to exist as an integrated whole? the Chilean neurobiologist Francisco Varela devoted his entire life - from childhood to death - to answering this question. The structure of the film is based on Varela's non-linear thinking and focuses on autopoiesis, ethics, consciousness, meditation and dying. The film also includes narrative accounts and reflections from Varela himself, his relatives, leading scientists, friends and thinkers, including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Heinz von Foerster (the father of cybernetics), jean-pierre dupuy, Evan Thompson, Anne Harrington, humberto maturana etc. Three key concepts shape the film: the relationship between body and mind (embodiment), the meaning of self responsibility (autonomy) and spirituality.

Mood

Reflective
Serene
Spiritual
Thoughtful

Cast & Crew

Franz Reichle
Jean-Pierre Dupuy
Francisco Varela
The Dalai Lama
Francisco Varela (Subject)
Franz Reichle (Director)

Cinematic Technique

Documentary
Interview-Based
Narrative-Driven

Film Movements

Documentary

Narrative Structure

Biographical
Essayistic
Fragmented
Non-Linear
Thematic

Pace

Contemplative
Deliberate
Slow
Slow-Paced

Style

Documentary
Non-Linear
Philosophical

Time-Period

Contemporary

Central Conflict

Body-Mind Integration
Existential Questions
Life And Death
Mind-Body Relationship
Philosophical Inquiry
Spiritual Responsibility

Characters

Francisco Varela
Philosophers
Scientists
Spiritual Thinkers
Thinkers

Ending

Open-Ended
Thought-Provoking

Historical Context

Biological Sciences
Early 21St Century
Neuroscience

Key Plot Points

Consciousness
Ethics
Interviews With Thinkers
Scientific And Spiritual Exploration
Self-Creation
Varela'S Life Journey

Plot

Death And Reincarnation
Genetic Interventions
Life Of Francisco Varela
Origins Of Life
Philosophical Exploration
Relation Between Body And Mind
Responsibility
Self-Responsibility
Spirituality

Setting

Biographical
Scientific Community

Shooting Location

Chile
International Scientific Community

Theme

Body-Mind Relationship
Consciousness
Mind-Body Unity
Origins Of Life
Reincarnation
Responsibility
Self-Responsibility
Spirituality

Genre

Documentary
Educational
Philosophical

Audiences

Adults
Intellectuals
Philosophy Enthusiasts
Philosophy Lovers
Science Enthusiasts
Spiritual Seekers

Titles

Monte Grande: What Is Life?

Release Year

2005
mowizz ID: 6124f0f8-80f1-4252-aab3-4533239ab397
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