Peter Matthiessen's No Boundaries
On April 15th, No Boundaries, a film about Peter Matthiessen premiered at Chatham University in the Eddy Theatre at 7p.m. The film runs for an hour and is part of a production by WQED and directed by film maker Jeff Sewald. The film focuses on Matthiessen's incredible travels throughout the world as well as his journey through life; Matthiessen is a writer (in fiction, creative non-fiction, and travel writing), he is a Zen Buddhist, an environmentalist, an activist, and a devoted father. Matthiessen's titles seem endless and so does his vision for the new generation of writers.
The film exhibits Matthiessen's writing about nature and social activism and that it comes from his passion for environmental and social issues. In the film, Matthiessen specifically comments on the importance of protecting nature and preserving the earth for future generations, "What are we leaving to our children? We are leaving them the biggest mess, and for what?" This comment pertains to Matthiessen's concern about the use of the natural resources and how there seems to be a general unconcern about the future of the natural environment.
Most of Matthiessen's works are well known; however, his most famous work is The Snow Leopard. Considered to be one of Matthiessen's best work of non-fiction, The Snow Leopard is not only about climbing the Himalayas, but it is also about the personal journey and healing that Matthiessen undergoes. In the piece he comments about the loss of D (Debra) his wife who dies of cancer and also exhibits his vulnerability; Matthiessen reaches into the Buddhist teachings for healing and strength during his journey. With comments about the natural around him, Matthiessen both orchestrates and narrates an unforgettable account of the Himalayas and its inhabitants.
As an activist, Matthiessen advocates for Leonard Peltier, a Native American, who is currently in jail for a crime that Peltier hasn't been proven guilty of commiting. The scenario that landed Peltier in jail goes like this: Peltier and other Native American members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) got into an altercation with the FBI. Two federal agents were killed and Peltier was accussed of murder. Peltier insists that he is innocent and will not admit to committing the crime--the authorities encourage Peltier to plead guilty and that this will ensure his release, but Peltier refuses to admit to a crime he did not commit. Matthiessen supports Peltier as he comments, "I don't know what happened 100 percent, but I do know that Leonard Peltier was framed...and he would have been some other Indian if we didn't make his story known."
After the premier, I was very intrigued to find out more information about Peter Matthiesen. I found several interviews with him. In an interview with Point Loma Nazarene University during the Writer's Symposium by the Sea in 2005, Matthiessen gives young writers advice, "You really have to write. You can't wait for the muse. You have to get your ass on that seat and get to it. And then, the good moments will come and then you will be grateful for them."
No Boundaries focuses on not only the writer and his travels but also the incredible man and human being that is Peter Matthiessen.
The film exhibits Matthiessen's writing about nature and social activism and that it comes from his passion for environmental and social issues. In the film, Matthiessen specifically comments on the importance of protecting nature and preserving the earth for future generations, "What are we leaving to our children? We are leaving them the biggest mess, and for what?" This comment pertains to Matthiessen's concern about the use of the natural resources and how there seems to be a general unconcern about the future of the natural environment.
Most of Matthiessen's works are well known; however, his most famous work is The Snow Leopard. Considered to be one of Matthiessen's best work of non-fiction, The Snow Leopard is not only about climbing the Himalayas, but it is also about the personal journey and healing that Matthiessen undergoes. In the piece he comments about the loss of D (Debra) his wife who dies of cancer and also exhibits his vulnerability; Matthiessen reaches into the Buddhist teachings for healing and strength during his journey. With comments about the natural around him, Matthiessen both orchestrates and narrates an unforgettable account of the Himalayas and its inhabitants.
As an activist, Matthiessen advocates for Leonard Peltier, a Native American, who is currently in jail for a crime that Peltier hasn't been proven guilty of commiting. The scenario that landed Peltier in jail goes like this: Peltier and other Native American members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) got into an altercation with the FBI. Two federal agents were killed and Peltier was accussed of murder. Peltier insists that he is innocent and will not admit to committing the crime--the authorities encourage Peltier to plead guilty and that this will ensure his release, but Peltier refuses to admit to a crime he did not commit. Matthiessen supports Peltier as he comments, "I don't know what happened 100 percent, but I do know that Leonard Peltier was framed...and he would have been some other Indian if we didn't make his story known."
After the premier, I was very intrigued to find out more information about Peter Matthiesen. I found several interviews with him. In an interview with Point Loma Nazarene University during the Writer's Symposium by the Sea in 2005, Matthiessen gives young writers advice, "You really have to write. You can't wait for the muse. You have to get your ass on that seat and get to it. And then, the good moments will come and then you will be grateful for them."
No Boundaries focuses on not only the writer and his travels but also the incredible man and human being that is Peter Matthiessen.
I found it most interesting when he said about Leonard Peltier that whether or not he's guilty is not his primary interest. The issue is that the state has not proven him guilty.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree Emily. He wants Peltier to have a fair trial.
ReplyDelete