1112. Cave of Forgotten Dreams

Cave of Forgotten Dreams
2010
Directed by Werner Herzog

Cave of Forgotten Dreams has to be one of the most eye roll worthy titles on the List. Even Plato had less fussy nomenclature. Of course, I tease out of love and because I gather Werner Herzog really has a sense of humor about his work. Well, the former was true anyway.

This is a documentary about the Chauvet Cave, which contains some of the oldest human paintings that have ever been discovered. It really is fascinating hearing the experts weigh in, and it's absolutely incredible to see what has been preserved over thousands and thousands of years. I loved learning about the little artistic flourishes early human beings were capable of, like giving the bison eight legs to give the appearance of movement. Because it was Herzog, the scope naturally had to be huge, and I enjoyed pondering some of the deeper questions he asked us to consider, like when the human soul began and what albino crocodiles would think of the paintings (they'd like them, I guess?). 

This really felt like something that could be a part of a museum exhibit, like one of those films that plays on repeat in a dark, air-conditioned room off to the side. Remember when we could go to museums? Ugh, me either.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Herzog was only allowed to have three other people with him in the cave, and they could only stay in for a few hours at time due to the high carbon dioxide levels.

At the time of filming, Herzog had only seen one other 3D movie (Avatar). He said he has no plans to ever film in 3D again.

688. Fitzcarraldo

Fitzcarraldo
1982
Directed by Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog has so far failed to impress me with his films, which I am sure has kept him up many nights.  This one made a bigger impact, although the fact that Herzog exploited natives for the sake of this movie dampens my enthusiasm a bit.

Fitzcarraldo plans on leasing an inaccesible parcel of land from the government in order to capitalize on the rubber trees.  He plans on getting there by hauling a steamship uphill with the help of the natives.  He will then use the money he earns to build an opera house.  Sounds like a good idea.  No more questions.

The pure feat of filming a movie in the Amazon is quite impressive, although like I said, the exploitation of indigenous people is absolutely horrendous.  It seems rather weird to then praise the film, but I have to say it is beautiful and Kinski does a good job, even though he is an ass.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

A real 340 steamship was moved over the mountain.  The crew used a bulldozer.

Klaus Kinski was a nightmare on set and argued with everyone constantly.

Apparently there were two prostitutes at camp.  Ugh.

658. Nosferatu: Phantom of the Night

Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht
Nosferatu: Phantom of the Night
1979
Directed by Werner Herzog

If I'm not mistaken, this is the fourth (possibly final?) Dracula film we have seen for the Book.  How does this story always seem so fresh?

I am not going to go through a plot summary because my youth and beauty are fleeting and I have already written this synopsis three times.  I will say that this is a bit more gory than the previous Dracula entries in the Book.

What a beautiful tribute to silent German cinema this was.  This is a gorgeous movie, one that can be admired even if you're not a Murnau fan girl.  Maybe it was the rats, maybe it was the fact that Lucy had a bit more power than in the usual vampire tale.  But I thought this film had more depth and action than any previous Dracula we had to watch.  Definitely a must see.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Klaus Kinski spent four hours a day in make up.

622. Stroszek

Stroszek
1977
Directed by Werner Herzog

Continuing my rant from the last post, what does the title Last Chants for a Slow Dance even mean?  It just sounds like Chance!  Chants doesn't make any sense!  Sorry, I am still bitter.  Let's transition to my rant for this film.  I am a real treat, aren't I?

Bruno Stoszek is released from prison.  He was incarcerated for some charge related to alcohol, but we are never told what it is (my first grievance).  He immediately goes to a bar, because addicts are lovely, and comforts an unhappy prostitute.  The pair decide to leave Germany and come to America.  Blah, blah, blah the American dream is actually a nightmare blah blah blah.

Sorry, I am cranky today.  My subtitles for this film were absolutely horrible.  The words on the screen were about five minutes ahead of what was actually happening.  This was confusing, to say the least.  Even without this obstacle, I think I would have disliked this movie.  The characters were extremely self destructive, which is always frustrating to watch.  There were also so many irritating scenes in this film that just set my teeth on edge.  The earsplitting accordion music, the voice of the auctioneer, the chicken dancing...I just wanted to punch a whole in my computer.

Werner Herzog continues his slow torture.  Oh, the pain.  Will Man of Marble stop this?

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Apparently, Ian Curtis watched this film before committing suicide.  Is it insensitive to say I understand this?

Admired by David Lynch.  Wow, these facts are really reinforcing my opinion.

543. Aguirre, The Wrath of God

Aguirre, The Wrath of God
1972
Directed by Werner Herzog

This is one of those films where the premise actually sounds quite exciting but the movie turns out to be one of the dullest you have ever seen.  The whole thing is such a clunky mess that I am amazed some people consider this to be a masterpiece.

A group of conquistadores, led by Lope de Aguirre, search for the legendary City of Gold in South America.  Lope is completely out of his mind and the director loves showing close ups of his face, as though an actor acting crazy is a thing of beauty in itself.

Everything about this film is frenzied: the story, the actors, and even the colors.  It is very clear that Herzog believed he was making his magnum opus.  I just couldn't get into this level of insanity.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Werner Herzog threatened to kill Klaus Kinski and himself when Kinski threatened to leave the production.  Good lord.

Herzog wrote the screenplay in two and a half days, mostly when he was drunk.  That's a real surprise.