Search - Matter of Heart: The Extraordinary Journey of C.G. Jung on DVD

Shaman Of The Twentieth Century ~ The Old Witchdoctor Up C

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 11/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss doctor and psychoanalyst is without a doubt one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. While his influence may not be easily discerned by the populace at large, his ideas and concepts have become pervasive nonetheless. He is the man who gave us such concepts as: synchronicity, archetypes and the collective unconscious.

The genius of the man was not that he came up with anything new, in fact exactly the opposite is true. He examined the intuitive knowledge of antiquity and the few 'primitive' cultures that still practiced the 'old ways' and simply translated that knowledge into modern day terminology. In other words, he brought ancient occult concepts and beliefs into the modern world. Thanks to the advent of 'Jungian Psychology' the interior landscape of dreams and visions once again became valid, acceptable fields of study after centuries of ridicule and disbelief.

For those who wish to rebel against what I just said, please read his writings first before you cast your stones in my direction. Jung himself acknowledged this fact. He referred to himself as the old witchdoctor and when he talked about the shamanic inclination he answered affirmatively, "I have that inclination."

It's unfortunate that we don't have film of Jung earlier in life. What is presented in this documentary is primarily interviews with those who knew or worked with Jung and those individuals interviewed such as Marie-Louise Von Franz, Laurens Van Der Post and Aniela Jaffe are quite old as they search their memories to give us a glimpse into the persona of the great psychoanalysist.

Be that as it may, this is a wonderful DVD and a must for those devotees of Carl Jung. There is a great deal of insight into the person of Jung provided by those who knew and loved him the most. When you listen to these interviews notice the numerous accounts that attest to uncanny insight or foreknowledge exhibited by the mysterious Dr. Jung. Something more was going on than just insight. There is also footage of a wonderful interview with him late in life that allows you to experience the man firsthand. That alone makes this DVD documentary a worthwhile purchase."

Memories, Dreams, Reflections...

K. Gibbons | England | 10/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As well as the acclaimed 1985 documentary, this DVD contains the famous 30 minute 1959 BBC "Face to Face" interview, and also some colour film shot in 1951.

The documentary itself consists largely of reminiscences and explanatory insights by many of Jung's former analysands, pupils, friends and colleagues, including the stately Marie-Louise von Franz and Sir Laurens van der Post. There is also some amusing footage of Jung in Africa in the 1920s, and some interviews with the man himself conducted much later in his life.

No-one who has read Jung to any depth will feel short-changed by this DVD. Neither ought those new to Jung feel intimidated - the presentation of the ideas is clear and to the point, without being superficial. It is a marvellous record of the most original genius of the 20th Century.
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A documentary of humankind's journey to the present.

K. Gibbons | 09/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Carl Jung was the first to formally identify the 'Collective Unconscience' This film is the story of his life and insight. I was mesmerized from the opening credits by the score in combination with the pastural sceen. Jung often spoke of the connection we make to our past and future through the use of symbols. The film has the ability to communicate in the same fashion. After seeing the film I realized film is the only medium for completely conveying the full fabric of Jung's person and message. I wish more films were as complete. Thank you."

Matter of soul

Carl Heiden | Portland oregon usa | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember seeing this documentary years ago when I was in college. Once a year it would come to town and show at a small theater and I would make the annual pilgrimage to see it. Well twenty years later I found it to be available and paid a pretty penny for it. I was not disappointed in the least. Personally as I reflect on the title it's rather inaccurate a touch. Matter of Heart seems to convey more sentimentality. I come away with feelings of deep resonating awe and fear, admiration, or/ and amazement. This is great witness to a man that lived with the world on his shoulders, and what I find refreshing is that the story is told by his contemporaries; Patients, friends colleagues... We get to see the real guy and not a lot of fond eulogistic praise. One comes away changed and reflective to man's purpose or lack thereof on this planet. I was surprised at the occultish overtones to his work and practice. Today one is ridiculed at the thought of lecturing pots and pans, or communicating with disembodied spirits. And maybe I'm giving him too much credit but by the end of this movie Jung makes it seem all in a days work."