The Unruly Mystic: John Muir (Scotland Cut) 2021
Beginning along Central America’s Continental Divide in Costa Rica, where filmmaker, Michael M. Conti, hikes through a lush jungle narrating his relationship with nature. Conti invites audiences to learn more about John Muir. During Conti’s trek to Yosemite National Park, former US President Barack Obama shares his personal experiences from his visits to the national park. Other notable characters, both young and older, share their outdoor explorations and what nature means to them.
Conti relates his nature-inspired ritual in Colorado’s wilderness, a spiritual emergence that profoundly shaped him into the dedicated artist he is today. As this inspirational documentary and essay film move toward its conclusion, the unique perspectives converge into a singular narrative with an underlying message that reveals how humans worldwide share a common bond and are included in nature’s synergistic force.
The foundation of America’s environmental movement rests firmly on the shoulders of a few conservationists, most notably John Muir. Commonly known as “John of the Mountains,” Muir was a naturalist, writer, environmental philosopher. As the founder of the Sierra Club, Muir was a mountaineer and dedicated advocate of natural resources and wilderness preservation throughout America’s West Coast regions. As a result of his dedicated activism, he lived his life as a wilderness champion who would become a nationally recognized outdoorsman. Muir’s spirit and legacy thrive today at America’s national parks, wilderness destinations, wildlife refuges, hiking trails, and forests.
An ecological prophet and Christian mystic, Muir had a profound impact on how Americans understand and envision their relationship with the natural world. His life’s work remains a living testament and personal nature guide for countless individuals globally. Conti, an award-winning director, cinematographer, and producer, reveals how Muir personally influenced him as a filmmaker.
Muir recognized the value of nature for its spiritual and transcendental qualities. He believed the wilderness was a place where humans could rest, seek inspiration, and engage in prayer and meditation. He encouraged everyone to experience nature’s spiritual nourishment qualities. As a documentary, the work is a personal and inspirational journey about a filmmaker and others who reaffirm their appreciation of nature through the writings of John Muir and living in the Great American Outdoors.
What is the emotional connection to nature we share? Individually, we are a personal and universal journey in our relationship with nature. This idea is explored as viewers are guided along with John Muir’s life, including his humble childhood in Scotland. Throughout each adventure, viewers are introduced to those who share their unique perspectives on nature, how John Muir inspires them, and what that inspiration has done for their lives. The stories and episodes combined help forge a connection to nature and how it can lead to a spiritual awakening that John Muir spent his life advocating.
This filmic journey concludes upon reaching the Kitlop, a sacred lake deep in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, an elder named Wa’axaid (Cecil Paul) reminds us of what all is at stake if we lose that precious connection. The differing perspectives merge into one story: that we are all connected and connected to nature itself.
“When we get to the Kilope, I am going to ask you to wash your eyes. Our story says that though you may have 20/20 vision or glasses that improve your vision, we are still blind to lots of things. We are blind to Mother Earth. When you bathe your eyes in the artery of Mother Earth that is so pure, it will improve your vision to see things. I will also ask you to wash your ears, so you could hear what goes on around. So, I could hear you talk. I could hear the wind, and you can hear the birds and animals. If you have the patience to listen, to hear the songs of the birds early in the morning, all these things will be open to you.”
Paul, Cecil, and Briony Penn. “Introduction.” Stories from the Magic Canoe of Wa’xaid, First Edition, Canada, Rocky Mountain Books, 2019, p. 14.
John Muir is beloved in USA and Scotland.
