Customer Reviews

Matter of Heart [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Matter of Heart is an in depth look at Carl Jung through the eyes of others. There are two lengthy and separate interviews with Jung that make it very special, however. Matter of Heart is an academic CD presentation, filmed in black and white and color during the 1950's and 1960's. It gives a good snapshot of the man.

This is a wonderful film on Jung. There's footage of him speaking in what was apparently an interview. There's also footage of the retreat he built for himself with a voice over of him speaking and beautiful background music. It's doesn't explore any of Jung's ideas in depth, but it's a nice introduction to them. It's also nice, however, for students of Jung who would like to be able to put an animated face on the man whose ideas they admire.

This video surprised me. It starts off slowly and unimpressively, but it builds. It mainly follows Jung's life but also does a fair job of explaining many of his major ideas. The video quality is not good. Most of the video is period, taken from either interviews of Jung himself or of his students. I found it both interesting and informative. A good introduction to Jung and his life and ideas.

This piece is effective and artful in the best sense. It captures the essence of Jung's principles and ideas through the words of Jung himself and the people who knew and worked with him. An impressively atmospheric opus. Most interesting and compelling for me are the film clips from the little seen (and known about) 4 hour interview in 1957 by the University of Houston (apparently never televised). This footage reveals Jung's personality (and character) as well as his philosophy in a highly vivid and explicit manner, as a thinker of great consequence for our age.

Wonderful historical experience with Jung. Also, noted students and practitioners speak about their experiences learning from C.G. Jung, and the meaning of Jung's insights for humankind.
Extremely relevant today.

Anyone with an interest in Carl Jung should find this DVD fascinating. The impressions of people who actually knew him and worked with him is a special treat.