Werner Herzog, renowned filmmaker, discusses his identity as a writer, his role in The Mandalorian, and his experience as a rodeo clown. Other topics include his poverty-stricken childhood during World War II, the forgotten golden age of German cinema, the challenges of filmmaking, and his unique approach to running the Rogue Film School.
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Quick takeaways
Werner Herzog considers himself a writer first and believes his writings will outlive his films.
Herzog emphasizes the importance of creative problem-solving, perseverance, and seizing opportunities in personal and professional life.
Deep dives
A Remarkable Life: Werner Herzog's Memoir and Childhood Experiences
Werner Herzog, a trailblazing filmmaker, discusses his recent memoir and his remarkable life. Raised in a remote village in Bavaria during World War II, Herzog shares the challenges of growing up in poverty. Despite the hardships, he describes his childhood as joyful and independent, with a mother who instilled determination. Herzog's journey into filmmaking began at a young age, and he recounts the difficulties he faced in getting his projects funded and bringing his unique visions to life. He also emphasizes the importance of writing and how it shaped his career alongside his filmmaking endeavors.
Lessons from a Japanese Soldier and the Border Smuggling Adventure
Herzog shares intriguing stories of his encounters, including meeting a former Japanese soldier who believed World War II was still ongoing and his own experiences as an international smuggler on the Mexican-American border. These experiences highlight Herzog's resourcefulness and adaptability, as he navigated and survived in challenging circumstances. He also emphasizes the role of creative problem-solving, perseverance, and seizing opportunities in his personal and professional life.
Insights on Filmmaking and Artistic Vision
Herzog reflects on the artistic process of filmmaking and the challenges he faced throughout his career. He discusses the difficulties of financing independent films and the lack of mainstream success compared to big-budget blockbusters. Despite the financial constraints, he emphasizes the importance of having a clear artistic vision that guides the creative process. Herzog also expresses his love for writing and poetry, stating that his writings will outlive his films and contribute to his lasting legacy.
Recognition and Legacy
While Herzog acknowledges his growing recognition as an actor in recent years, thanks to his role in the TV series 'The Mandalorian,' he emphasizes that acting is only one aspect of his multifaceted career. He believes that his books and films have the potential to resonate with younger audiences, and he highlights the curiosity expressed by young readers and viewers who are discovering his works. Herzog's experiences and stories demonstrate his unique perspective on life, his unwavering determination, and his ability to captivate audiences across various mediums.
The filmmaker doesn’t want to be known only for his movies. He tells Steve why he considers himself a writer first, how it feels to be recognized for his role in The Mandalorian, and why he once worked as a rodeo clown.