Monk With a Camera

Monk With a Camera hints at answers, but imposes nothing. Like a good photograph, or a wise abbot, it only presents the evidence and allows us to arrive at truth.

Clearly regarded with great affection by his mentors (as well as supporters like Richard Gere), Vreeland makes very pleasant company... The directors adopt a similarly unpretentious, bemused tone in following him around.

So, while the film doesn’t delve into the doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism, it does provide a sense of its outward life in the images of the people and rituals of the monastery to which Nicky Vreeland has devoted so much love and care.

Ultimately the documentary falls short of explaining why Vreeland not only made his choice but maintained it.

Too frequently, Monk With A Camera feels like a character study with no interest in studying its character.

This superficial movie plays like a fashion shoot with robes.