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Herzog on Directing
11/23/2009 at 1:13 PM by Suraj Das
"Writer-director and independent filmmaking legend Werner Herzog recently gave this engrossing interview, posted on the Rotten Tomatoes website. In the piece, Herzog lists his five favorite films, discusses creative decision-making and production challenges on the set of the forthcoming "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans," and compares working with Klaus Kinski to directing Nicholas Cage (who appears to have turned in a truly notable performance in Herzog's latest). A fascinating read, for dedicated Herzog fans and newbies alike.
If you're unfamiliar with Herzog's oeuvre, now is as good a time as any to start making your way through his groundbreaking body of work. I recommend starting with the 2005 documentary, "Grizzly Man," because it is at once accessible and complex; the premise of the doc is deceptively simple, but the themes and ideas running through the film are anything but. If you enjoy "Grizzly Man," you're going to want to start plowing through Herzog's earlier German masterpieces as soon as possible. Luckily, much of his work, including the essential "Aguirre: The Wrath of God," "Stroszek," and "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser," are now widely-available on DVD and can be streamed on-demand on Netflix Instant Watch.
Herzog's films and directing-style are truly one-of-a-kind. If you find yourself inspired by his example and want to learn more about his approach to filmmaking, you would do well to track down his instructive and insightful new book, "Conquest of the Useless," which chronicles his struggle to realize his grand vision for the film "Fitzcarraldo." You should also look into applying to and attending one of his Rogue Film School seminars, which will kick-off in Los Angeles in 2010 and are expected to take place in other major cities, including New York, thereafter.
What are you favorite Herzog films and what do you think of his directing and producing style? How seriously do you think "Grizzly Man" will figure in to our ongoing discussion about the greatest and most influential films of the last decade? Looking forward to hearing your take on this inspiring filmmaker and his work!"
Suraj Das Writer, Director
Comments (4)
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Suraj Das So I happened to catch Bad Lieutenant last week, and it was excellent. A very keen, inventive, and remarkably funny take on Hollywood cop movie cliches. Highly recommended for a discerning audience - if you liked and understood movies like Godard's "Breathless," you'll definitely get a kick out of this film.
December 2, 2009Here are all of the links we wanted to have in the original post, by the way:
Herzog's Interview with Rotten Tomatoes:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bad_lieutenant_port_of_call_new_orleans/news/1855835/five_favorite_films_with_werner_herzog
Manhola Dargis of The New York Times on Nicholas Cage's Acting in Bad Lieutenant:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/movies/15darg.html
A Great Review & Analysis of The Incredible Documentary, Grizzly Man:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2006/feb/03/1
Roger Ebert's Essay on "Aguirre"
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19770209/REVIEWS/243790834/1023&AID1;=/19770209/REVIEWS/243790834/1023&AID2;=/19990404/REVIEWS08/904040301/1023
Ebert on "Stroszek"
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20020707/REVIEWS08/207070301/1023
Ebert on "Kaspar Hauser"
http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9900EEDE123AE333A2575BC2A96F9C946490D6CF
Summary, Review, Opinions on "Conquest of the Useless"
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/books/29maslin.html
Herzog's Film Seminar:
http://roguefilmschool.com/
Brent Stevens Thanks for the info!
December 2, 2009Suraj Das For some reason, the links in this post are not clickable. We are working on fixing it...
November 24, 2009