The New Thinkery Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God
Apr 23, 2025
Dive into the haunting world of Aguirre, the Wrath of God, as the hosts explore Werner Herzog's chilling take on madness and ambition. They highlight the film's philosophical themes of existential isolation and the nature of obsession, all set against the unforgiving Amazon. Engaging analysis reveals the tensions between piety and ambition, while contrasting Aguirre's character with the simple flute player. Discussions also touch on religious hypocrisy and the complexities of founding an empire, offering a reflective look at Herzog's creative vision.
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Teaching Herzog And Kinski
- Alex Pri teaches a course on Herzog's relationship with Klaus Kinski and shows film clips in class.
- He uses the film to prompt shot-by-shot analysis and philosophical readings like Tacitus and Conrad.
Filmmaker Mirrors Character Ambition
- Herzog's filmmaking mirrors his characters' ambition by risking real danger to create art.
- His physical commitment translates character ambition into cinematic reality that endures beyond death.
Kinski's Grueling Experience
- Klaus Kinski complained in his autobiography about the shoot's grueling conditions and Herzog's methods.
- Kinski later claimed the filming left him drained and changed after Aguirre's production.
