Auteur Director


I think Werner Herzeg is a master filmmaker. Years ago, I read one of Roger Ebert's books in which he mentioned that Aguirre, Wrath of God was one one of his favorite movies. It made me want to see it. I love that movie too. I think his vision is unique. His interests are so varied. He can make a fictional film like Fitzcarraldo and then a great documentary like Cave of Forgotten Dreams. I look forward to all his movies. He's a wonderful director, so talented.

reply

His amazingly insane relationship with his 'friend' Klaus Kinski is worth a look too...it was non stop drama and they both seemed like brilliant lunatics in their violent relationship
Look it up its kinda funny reading

reply

I saw it. Of course, I loved it. Kinski was completely nuts. In the old footage of Herzog, he seems a little off, too. I wonder if that's why it worked so well with them.

reply

Yeah 'birds of a feather...'
Two legends for sure

reply

Completely agreed. I'll watch anything by Herzog, because he's not afraid to say, "Here's what interests me about that" (and doesn't go chasing "likes" as many other filmmakers do) -- and I invariably find that he's right, it *is* the interesting aspect. He does come in for a fair bit of flak on forums like this, but I think that's because, firstly, he's curious and fiercely intelligent, and then he's not afraid to acknowledge his own presence and expects those watching to evaluate and negotiate their own position. Viewers generally have become very accustomed to being told, "Yours is the only opinion that matters", and Herzog doesn't play it that way. Sadly, there are fewer and fewer filmmakers like him, as media becomes more and more of a teat to be suckled at.

reply

You're so right. I love his documentaries especially. His narration is so charming and erudite. He finds everything interesting and it makes the viewer interested. Errol Morris is another documentarian that can choose the most mundane subject and make it fascinating.

reply

I totally agree.

I also throw Wim Wenders into this category. Their careers seem to be similar.
Each has created what some may consider masterpieces.

reply

Oh, I love Wim Wenders. I know you were mentioning him on another thread. Oh, maybe about Sam Shepard and Paris, Texas. What a great movie that is. Perfectly cast too. Also, Wings of Desire is such a brilliant movie.

reply

Wings of Desire is one of my all time favorites. Peter Falk is an angel. It is brilliant.

A couple weeks ago I watched Until The End of the World-DC
Almost 4 hours long. I believe he wanted this to be the movie he wanted to be remembered for.
The ultimate road movie. It was a good movie with a great cast , including Solveig Dommartin who was in Wings.
Just not his best. IMO But still good.

They both seem to do their movies and a lot of documentaries. I haven't seen nearly all of them.

reply

I have not heard of that movie-thanks. I'll check it out. Even his average ones are better than most. I'm sure you've seen Buena Vista Social Club. God, that was so good.

reply

It really was.

I wonder why these two don't do more movies. They are obviously masters at what they do.
They seem to focus on documentaries. Maybe they just don't get anything original or
they want to focus on the messages of docs.

reply

i haven't seen Buena Vista Social Club, but have their CD... Love it... i'll check the movie out

reply

Herzog is incredible... His films are always thought provoking...

reply