Short Interview with Werner Herzog

Here is a short clip of Werner Herzog discussing his early life. He lived in a relatively remote part of Bavaria due to the bombings of WWII, and was insulated from much of the aspects of modern culture that we've become accustomed to. Due to his seclusion from Cinema, he was forced to learn to make films without the comprehensive film knowledge most people in cities grow up inundated with.
They touch on one aspect of any great auteur, after 5 seconds of watching any of their films, you automatically know that you are seeing a Herzog film.

Interview with Henry Rollins

This is an interview of Werner Herzog on Youtube from Henry Rollins' tv show that might give newcomers a glimpse of his attitude towards life, and his work. This was taped right after Grizzly Man had been overlooked in Academy award nominations for Best Documentary. Herzog discusses recognition by the studio systems, and explains success in terms of the enthusiasm in audiences viewing his work. The discussion shifts to one of my favorite themes in Herzog's films, ecstatic truth. That glimpse at illumination, that poetic, abstract elusive insight that art can give us when communicating that which is closest to our experience. Herzog then discusses shifting trends in our perceptions of reality including virtual reality, CGI, etc. Articulation of a reality in new terms that can enhance our perspectives in the world. Herzog hopes we are moving beyond Cinema Verite or Direct Cinema, and the illusion that we are capturing reality. For Herzog, these genre's proclaiming to record situations accurately, are nothing more than accountant's truths. Facts do not create truth/illumination. He considers Fitzcarraldo his best documentary, even though the film was completely scripted. Rollins asks him about how studio systems view the viability of his projects The discussions ends with a recounting of being shot during an interview with the BBC. A neat interview altogether.

Werner Herzog Is My Hero

Werner Herzog is one of the most under-appreciated filmmakers of all time. His dynamic filmography has explored a huge range of topics using some of the most provocative images and sounds ever experienced in cinema. From the depths of the Amazonian jungles, the tops of enormous mountains, to the burning oil fields of Kuwait, his landscapes come alive, and strike fierce emotion in his viewers. His casting choices include some of the most fantastic personas ever captures on celluloid. The passionate insanity of Klaus Kinsky brings alive characters like Aguirre and Fitzcarraldo. Their intense relationship fuels an intense performance the likes of which have yet to be seen. Herzog's filmmaking ability evokes strong compassion and understanding for the characters portrayed. In Land of Silence and Darkness we feel and intense connection with Fini, an amazing deaf and blind woman with a tragic, yet profoundly symbolic story. Herzog will stop at nothing to realize his visions, and I thank him for his dedication to his art.
Herzog Is My Hero will explore the films and ideas of this amazing man. I hope you join me in exploring the ideas and images of this brilliant filmmaker. I encourage you to give me feedback and let me know if there are any specific films or concepts you would like to explore with me.
-Joe McCraw