Main Cast: Liv Ullmann, Sam Waterston, John Heard, Ione Skye, Emmanuel Montes
Release Year: 1991
Country: US
Run Time: 111 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
A fictionalized depiction of the ecological and holistic teachings of the philosopher Fritjof Capra filmed by his brother Bernt, Mindwalk consists almost entirely of the verbal interplay between its three archetypal characters, physicist Sonia (Liv Ullmann), conservative politician Jack (Sam Waterston), and poet Thomas (John Heard). The trio meet for the first time at Mont Saint Michel, a medieval French abbey. Each is suffering misgivings about pivotal life choices; Sonia questions the role of ethics in her work, Jack harbors fears over the government's attitude toward the environment, and Thomas' wariness over an increasingly conservative society has prompted a permanent move to France. The question haunting all three: What now? ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
The majority of the movie is a conversation among three characters: a Norwegian scientist, Sonia Hoffman (played by Liv Ullmann), "the only woman in my department, the first in Norway doing quantum field theory"; an American politician and former presidential candidate, Jack Edwards (played by Sam Waterston); and poet Thomas Harriman (played by John Heard), a former political speechwriter, as they wander around Mont Saint Michel, France. The movie serves as an introduction to systems theory and systems thinking, while insights into modern physical theories such as quantum mechanics and particle physics are also given.
Political and social problems, and alternative solutions for them, are another major focus of the film. However, specific problems and solutions are not the main focus; rather, different perspectives are presented through which these problems can be viewed and considered. Sonia Hoffman's perspective is referred to as the holistic, or systems theory, perspective. Thomas Harriman, the poet, recites the poem "Enigmas" by Pablo Neruda (based on the translation by Robert Bly) at the end of the movie, concluding the core of the discussion.
The film was filmed on the mount, and thus has great views of many structures there, especially approach over the tidal flats, the cathedral, the walkways, and the giant and ancient clock mechanism.
