I have yet to see Herzog's "Fitzcarraldo", but I seriously doubt that it will be anywhere near as interesting, as this documentary on the making of it.
This insane documentary about the making of Fitzcarraldo would make a wonderful companion piece to Hearts of Darkness. Herzog's ambition and maniacal drive are on full display in these very candid and completely engrossing film clips. This covers only a portion of the filming of Herzog's masterpiece but it's still well worth checking out. From snake bites, chainsaws sawing off feet, piranhas biting off toes, Herzog being hunted by the government, prostitutes substituting for morphine and natives threatening to kill the lunatic known as Klaus Kinski. It makes 99% of movie-making experiences seem trivial and humbling.
I watched this imediatly after watching Fitzcarraldo. Both films share the same elements..obssesion, passionand failure. Accept Herzog is the center of this documentary on the making of Fitzcarraldo. At times just as surreal as a Herzog film. There are alot of interesting bits in this Doc. One being that the part of Fitzcarraldo was originaly played by Jason Robards. Who after 5 weeks of filming had a dysentary infection and was refused to take part in the rest of the film by his Dr. And Mick Jagger had a role as a actor who was to be Fitzcarraldos side kick. The part was eventually cut seeing Herzog couldnt picture anyone else in his role other than Jagger who left after Robards because he committed to making a Stones album. Thank god too because Kinski IS Fitzcarraldo.
Burdon Of Dreams is just as essential to Fitzcarraldo as Heart Of Darkness was to Apocalypse Now. Herzog is a genius and any chance to see this man do what he does is gold!
A solidly entertaining documentary serving as a warning to an director foolish enough to put art over logistics. In the end I'd rather watch Fitzcarraldo, the film speaks for itself.
I have never seen a Herzog film, but I've seen this documentary about Herzog making a film. As someone fascinated by film making, I loved this film. It's an epic documentary about the making of what seems to be an epic film.
One of the most inspiring, determined artists of our time. This is an excellent starting point if you are interested in checking out the Herzog. Along the same lines as Hearts of Darkness.
MCT:August 29, 2008
MCT:July 13, 2008
MCT:March 9, 2008
