The Practice of the Wild

The Practice of the Wild is a profound and thought-provoking documentary from 2010, that takes its audience on an insightful journey into the heart of environmental consciousness and ponderings on the essence of the wilderness. The film draws its inspiration from works of renowned author and environmentalist Gary Snyder, who's known for his profound writings on the inherent connection of mankind and wilderness, and his deeply held Buddhist belief that every creature and feature on the planet has its rightful place.

The film's creative landscape is set in the scenic Sierra Nevada mountains, where the documentary delicately captures the untouched beauty of the environment. What makes this film deeply engaging is the leading spirit of the film, Gary Snyder himself, who shares original insights on his literary journey, his musings and deeper contemplations on the interconnection of every living organism with its surroundings. His poignant eloquence and stark wisdom, shared in an innocuous conversation with Pulitzer Prize winner and novelist Jim Harrison, form the spine of the film.

Adding to the aroma of the film's distinct narrative is the enriching contribution from Joanne Kyger, one of the significant voices of the Beat generation and a proponent of Zen Buddhism, along with the stirring poetry of Michael McClure, another significant figure of the Beat Generation. Their literary contributions in the film weave a rich tapestry of human experience that delves deep into our primal connection with nature.

The film opens with Gary Snyder's view on the wilderness, where he elegantly contrasts the bustling chaos of modern urban living with the quiet serenity and raw simplicity of the wild. This perspective forms the backbone of the film, where his evocations to respect and preserve the global ecology run as an underlying strain in the film's narrative. Time and again, the viewer is taken back to Snyder's discourse, which draws parallels between 'the wild within us' and 'the wild around us', thereby highlighting the essence of what lies at the core of being truly wild.

The director, John Healey, paints a captivating visual picture of the wilderness. The picturesque visuals of lush green forests, spirited rivers, and towering mountains with the wild animals in their natural habitat subtly underline the narrative of the film. Interspersed with close-up shots of natural elements, the film subtly hints at the indispensability of nature in our lives.

With the lure of the deep relationship between language, ecology and human consciousness, the film exposes stark reality to audiences about the impact of human activity on the world. At a time when climate change and the ecological crisis are critical issues, The Practice of the Wild brings to the forefront the dangers associated with the degradation of the environment and breaks down the complex ecological crisis into easily understandable narratives.

In between the rich dialogue and vibrant visual narrative, there are moments of poignant silence. These silences allow the viewers to absorb, introspect, and resonate with the profound themes discussed. Valuable life lessons are imparted through the art of silence, where the audience is nudged towards developing a profound respect for everything around them – be it trees, animals or even fellow human beings.

The Practice of the Wild is not just a film; it’s a poetic journey that engages the viewer with the narrative of the wild. It embraces a holistic view of ecology while highlighting its importance and fragility, thereby underlining the urgent need for conservation.

In conclusion, The Practice of the Wild is a contemplative case for reconsidering our place in the world. It emphasizes the need to reconnect with the primordial wisdom of coexistence and understand our role as custodians of the Earth. Each scene unfolds to reveal its raw beauty and resonates with the universal theme of ‘Oneness with Nature’. It’s a stirring and memorable film, stimulating and inspiring audiences to revere, respect and protect our Planet Earth.