EI Talks... Werner Herzog with Geoff Andrew and Muriel Zagha
Mar 6, 2024
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Dive into Werner Herzog's visionary films with discussions on his unique blend of fiction and documentary, exploration of empathy and ethical dilemmas, unconventional upbringing, extreme storytelling techniques, and fearless portrayal of unsettling themes.
Herzog's childhood influenced his cinematic vision, blending documentary and fiction to create visually stunning narratives.
Herzog explores the connection between humans and animals, highlighting profound moments of connection and deeper insights into existence.
Transitioning from narrative to documentary films, Herzog showcases human resilience and complexities while shaping raw, unfiltered views of human experiences.
Deep dives
Influential Encounters with Herzog's Work
Encountering Herzog's work through titles and posters in the 70s, Muriel Zaga and Jeff Andrew reflect on their first experiences with films like 'Casper Hauser' and 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God', finding them mysterious and fascinating, culminating in astonishment upon viewing.
Herzog's Unconventional Childhood and Background
Growing up in Bavaria with an absent father, Werner Herzog's anarchic upbringing and unique family dynamics shaped his early life. His self-mythologized past, involvement in travel, and artistic inclinations reveal a complex yet formative background that influences his cinematic vision.
Exploring Herzog's Filmmaking Philosophy
Werner Herzog's blending of documentary and fiction challenges traditional filmmaking boundaries, emphasizing aesthetic experience over strict realism. Through films like 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God', he crafts visually stunning narratives, often based on historical events but imbued with dreamlike imagery, transforming reality into Herzogian visions.
Exploring Humanity Through His Films
Werner Herzog's films delve into the blurred lines between humans and animals, showcasing characters driven by forces beyond the everyday. In 'Land of Silence and Darkness,' he portrays the deaf-blind community, particularly focusing on Fanny Stroopfinger, whose ability to communicate eloquently highlights the range of experiences within the community. Through poignant scenes like cradling a deer at a zoo, Herzog captures moments of profound connection between humans and animals, revealing deeper insights into human consciousness and existence.
Herzog's Artistic Evolution and Narrative Prowess
Over his career, Werner Herzog has transitioned from narrative films like 'Fitzcarraldo,' known for its dramatic storytelling, to documentaries where he showcases a raw, unfiltered view of human experiences. Despite his evolution, Herzog's ability to shape narratives remains a significant strength, evident in films like 'The White Diamond.' By taking time to highlight everyday moments and individuals' stories, Herzog's filmmaking pays tribute to human resilience and the complexities of human existence.
Geoff Andrew, the BFI's programmer-at-large, and film critic Muriel Zagha sit down with EI's Deputy Editor Alastair Benn to discuss the varied, visionary and eccentric creations of the German filmmaker Werner Herzog.
The audio clip at 53:30 is an excerpt from The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser. It is currently on release in selected cinemas via the BFI. It aired at 27 Picturehouse sites on Friday 1 March. Courtesy of BFI Distribution.
