On Meditation

On Meditation is an evocative and uniquely captivating 2016 documentary that examines the varied practice of meditation, exploring its deep historical roots and pondering its contemporary relevance in an ever-accelerating world. Directed by Rebecca Dreyfus, the insightful film expertly stitches together intimate and personal vignettes of transformation, showcasing the stories of personalities from all walks of life who have integrated meditation into their daily routine and lifestyle.

The chief protagonists in this cinematic journey, offering insight into the intimate process of their meditation, are actor Giancarlo Esposito, renowned film director David Lynch, and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. On Meditation affords these luminaries a platform to offer a rare glimpse into their private practices and to share some of the benefits and challenges of meditation — presented in a manner that is intriguing, intimate, and highly engaging.

Giancarlo Esposito, known for his memorable roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul,' shares about how meditation fits into his life — both professionally and personally. His reflection is offered with heartfelt sincerity and profound authenticity, which only augments the distinctiveness of this documentary.

David Lynch, acclaimed filmmaker and the mastermind behind productions such as 'Mulholland Drive' and 'Twin Peaks,' reveals his deep affinity for Transcendental Meditation. Lynch candidly guides the viewer through his journey of this form of meditation, detailing his initial encounter with this spiritual discipline and elaborating on its profound impact on his creativity, vision, and life.

Russell Simmons, the impresario behind Def Jam Recordings and Phat Farm Clothing, and a dedicated practitioner of Jivamukti Yoga, provides a different perspective on meditation. We see him recount his daily meditation practices and how they influence his decisions, creatively and in business.

Apart from these three central figures, the documentary also provides profound insights from various other practitioners — from spiritual teachers to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each story seems to carefully mimic the process of meditation itself - evoking a narrative space that's more contemplative, personalized, and profound than any you'd find in a traditional documentary film.

On Meditation is strikingly cinematographic, engaging, and surprisingly intimate in its portrayal. Nearly all of its narratives are interspersed with gorgeous and skillfully executed visual sequences representing metaphorical, experiential, and literal interpretations of the meditative state. The mesmerizing camera work and visually stunning frames further add to the charm of the narratives, giving us a more profound way to connect with the individual experiences being related.

The documentary draws its structure from the thematic focus rather than the conventional linear narrative. Every interviewee's journey into meditation is beautifully and seamlessly stitched together to provide an overarching sense of the diverse and deep roots of meditation — demonstrating its infinite potentials for transformation and self-discovery.

One of the important takeaways from On Meditation is its subtle but powerful message that meditation is not an esoteric practice reserved for spiritual or philosophical individuals. It can be embraced by anyone — artists, executives, athletes, students, or warriors. Perhaps this is the documentary's greatest strength - showcasing diverse characters with differing life experiences finding a common thread through the practice of meditation.

Overall, On Meditation is not just a series of candid profiles of various personalities and their personal meditation practices. It is a thoughtful, powerful, and welcoming invitation for viewers to explore meditation in their own way and experience its transformative potential firsthand. It's a documentary that emphasizes quietly but firmly that meditation can be an essential tool for promoting balance, peace, and happiness in anyone's life.