The Scotland Cut

As part of the theatrical release of The Unruly Mystic: John Muir in which we toured in 20 cities, seven states, and with 60+ screenings, I learned a lot about how the film worked through the viewer’s experience. I will always remember how it felt to come back into the theater after the film ended to give a talk back with the audience. I recall a woman telling me that she had just come off the 2,650 mile Pacific Coast Trail with her daughter, and seeing the film inspired to do the trip again! Stories like that inspire me to do what I do here.

This extended version is just not the old release with added footage. As a filmmaker, I am constantly trying to improve my work. That is one of the reasons why I enjoy the filmmaking process so much. It is never-ending. I am constantly learning new things. Sometimes that requires cutting material out that does not work as initially envisioned. The heart of the film is still there, and we get to stay with that an additional 10 extra minutes.

What is new?

In April 2019, we did a special screening at Yosemite National Park and at that time, we were able to shoot another interview with Park Ranger Shelton Johnson. Everyone who has seen the first film, Shelton is a memorable highlight, and he has more to share.

That same summer we travelled across Scotland on the John Muir Way with the support of Green Action Trust. That trip ended with a benefit screening for John Muir’s Birthplace Museum in Dunbar, Scotland. The film now includes a brief tour of the museum, and some words from Duncan Smeed of the Friends of the John Muir’s Birthplace.

Last month I went to Canyonlands National Park, to find that remarkable natural structure that I had stumbled upon previously in 2017. All of this I hope expands upon our own experiences with nature as John Muir so elegantly shared with us in his writings.

Why a gift?

John Muir wrote about the glacial process he struggled with of putting pen to paper when he would rather be outdoors. I know that feeling. Editing requires a lot of sitting time. The only benefit of 2020 was that I could rework the film without missing out on all the other distractions that would generally pull me away. This recut extended version will make the viewer’s experience even better. I invite you to experience for yourself why this film reminds people of being in nature. It is a gift that keeps giving as long as we protect our natural resources. We have John Muir to thank for that awareness.

Please show your appreciation by subscribing and letting me know in the comments of the film, why John Muir is still important today.

If you miss the viewing window, the previous version of the film is available for screening on Amazon Prime and Vimeo. The new extended version of the film will be refreshed by May 10th on those platforms.

Thank you for receiving this gift.

Michael M. Conti