Fresh Air Werner Herzog Isn't The 'Wild Guy' You Think He Is
59 snips
Dec 6, 2024 
Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog shares insights from his memoir, 'Every Man for Himself and God Against All'. He highlights the importance of discipline over wildness in his creative process, debunking myths about his personality. Herzog reflects on personal experiences from post-World War II Germany and discusses the tension between creativity and madness while directing intense actors. With anecdotes that reveal his calm demeanor in crises, he emphasizes the role of memory and curiosity in shaping his unique storytelling approach.
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Extreme Feats as Metaphors
- Herzog views extreme acts, like moving a ship over a mountain, as doable metaphors, not reckless risks.
- He prioritizes his crew's safety and the film's completion, highlighting his disciplined professionalism.
Early Curiosity
- Herzog recalls his earliest memory: his mother showing him a burning city, sparking his curiosity about the outside world.
- This childhood experience fueled his desire to explore extreme environments like Antarctica and the Sahara.
Self-Discipline
- After stabbing his brother, young Herzog realized the need for self-discipline.
- This incident, along with other defeats and catastrophes, shaped his character and emphasized control over wildness.
