Thomas Merton--Trappist monk, "believing beatnik," brilliant author of books, essays and poetry, all rooted in his lifelong search for meaning. He is one of the most authentic and enduring voices of the 20th century, a main who truly lived the search he writes about. Now here is the documentary that goes to the heart of Merton's spiritual journey. Award-winning producer Morgan Atkinson spent years researching Merton's work, as well as interviewing Merton friends, scholars and authorities on the spiritual life. Atkinson's cameras reveal life at the Abbey of Gethsemani, Merton's home of 27 years, as well as Merton's path in New York City, Redwoods Monastery (California) and Christ in the Desert Monastery (New Mexico). The picture that emerges from Atkinson's study provides provocative insights into the interior landscape of one of the spiritual giants of modern times while capturing the haunting physical beauty of the geography that both nurtured and shaped Merton. Those interviewed include Fr. Daniel Berrigan, Anthony Padovano, Michael Mott, Rosemary Ruether, Dom John Eudes Bamberger, Br. Paul Quenon, Lawrence Cunningham, Paul Elie, Sr. Christine Bochen, Robert Inchausti, Martin Marty, Sr. Elena Malits, Colman McCarthy, Jonathan Montaldo, Fr. John Dear, Sr. Kathleen Deignan and others.
