Meetings with Remarkable Men

Based on the autobiographically-tinged work by G. I. Gurdjief, this film is at once a biopic, travelogue, coming-of-age story, and sub- sequent quest for meaning undertaken by an unorthodox Armenian boy born near the Georgian-Turkish border, a place where the rich currents of Eastern wisdom and religion flow together. After seeking ancient knowledge in the East, Gurdjief reappeared in Moscow in 1912 bringing new teachings with him. He moved to France in the 1920s, attracting numerous members of the European and American intelligentsia, including writers, artists, musicians, scientists, critics, and those from the cultureal avant-garde, and founded an “Institute for the Harmonic Development of Man” near Paris. This account of a profound spiritual quest before the breathless backdrop of Afghan scenery has awe-inspiring episodes to spare, but also contains dazzling scenes of humorous ingenuity which would equally be at home in an adventure movie. “In making MEETINGS,” stated Brook, “I had the immense pleasure and responsibility of doing something essential”. His commitment to this film is such that he remastered it some 40 years later, around his 90th birthday, ending up with a quintessential version 20 minutes shorter which he now presents at the Viennale. (Victoria Slavuski)

Update 22.10.: For health reasons Peter Brook will no be present at the screening.