I second that! An absolutely stunning film!tendo82 said:Encounters At The End Of The World: A look at the residents of Antartica's McMurdo station and the surrounding environs.
It is easily one of the most inspiring movies I have ever seen. The fact that you can make a science fiction-movie out of one actor and stock footage is truly incredible. It is a perfect example of how movie-experiences rely on suspension of disbelief, and if you've got vision and artistic integrity, the length at which people will accept the illusion and the intrinsic logic of a movie can be pushed pretty far.WanderFreak said:Am I the only one (who's seen it, that is) who was utterly annihilated by The Wild Blue Yonder?
I mean all it is is stock footage with some on screen rambling by Brad Dourif as an "alien" but Herzog takes it, throws in some utterly incredible music, and someone makes a crazy mindfuck of a movie that's one of the best I've ever seen.
Totally agree. Oftentimes I enjoy the commentaries just as much as the movies. You can tell the guy is honest. What he says is exactly what he feels.tendo82 said:Werner Herzog is an idol of mine. One of the giants of cinema. He may not have the media stature of some other directors, but I think his body of work will continue to rise in stature as the years go on. Glad to see him get the shout out from Movie Bob.
Other films of his I recommend:
Heart of Glass: An eerie little film.
Lessons of Darkness: Filmed shortly after the first Iraq war, it has stunning footage of the oil wells burning.
Encounters At The End Of The World: A look at the residents of Antartica's McMurdo station and the surrounding environs.
The other thing I recommend is listening to his director's commentaries whenever possible. Herzog's second greatest talent, after movie making, is talking about his own movies in a droll German accent. His insights are interesting and the tales of making the film hyperbolic.
Also, this is a really great series of columns you've got going.