Portrait: Werner Herzog (1986)

Portrait: Werner Herzog Poster
Original Title: Werner Herzog: Filmemacher

An autobiographical short film by Werner Herzog made in 1986. Herzog tells stories about his life and career. The film contains excerpts and commentary on several Herzog films, including Signs of Life, Heart of Glass, Fata Morgana, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner, Fitzcarraldo, and the Les Blank documentary Burden of Dreams. Notable is footage of a conversation between Herzog and his mentor Lotte Eisner, a photographer. In another section, he talks with mountaineer Reinhold Messner, in which they discuss a potential film project in the Himalayas to star Klaus Kinski.

Introduction
"Portrait: Werner Herzog" is a documentary film made in 1986, directed by Christian Weisenborn and Erwin Keusch. The movie provides an interesting insight into the life and work of the German movie director, screenwriter, and manufacturer, Werner Herzog. Known for his distinct and idiosyncratic filmmaking style, Herzog has been a considerable impact on the world of cinema. The documentary comprises of numerous interviews with Herzog, his collaborators, and critics, in addition to footage from his movies, which serve to supply a detailed summary of his special profession.

Early Life and Influences
The documentary starts by diving into Herzog's early life. Born in Munich, Germany, in 1942, he matured in a remote valley in the Bavarian Alps, which offered a background for many of his later films. His childhood was marked by an absence of exposure to movie theater: he did not see his very first film up until he was 11 years of ages. This isolation, integrated with the appeal and drama of his surroundings, provided the basis for his distinctive approach to filmmaking and storytelling.

The movie goes on to go over the director's influences, that include the works of classical authors such as Richard Wagner, as well as the writings of German thinker Friedrich Nietzsche. These impacts can be seen in the repeating styles of his films, particularly in their exploration of the human condition and the border in between truth and the mythic or dreamlike.

Filmography and Production Process
"Portrait: Werner Herzog" uses a thorough take a look at numerous of his most renowned films, analyzing the unique production processes behind each. Among the films discussed are "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (1972), "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser" (1974), "Heart of Glass" (1976), "Stroszek" (1977), "Nosferatu the Vampyre" (1979), "Fitzcarraldo" (1982), and "Cobra Verde" (1987).

Herzog's dedication to recording genuine experiences on movie often led to using unconventional recording strategies. One such example is revealed with "Heart of Glass", where he notoriously hypnotized his stars to attain an otherworldly performance. In addition, the documentary checks out the tumultuous relationship between Herzog and his regular collaborator, actor Klaus Kinski, which was marked by intense arguments and a mutual creative drive. Their relationship was so troubled that it motivated a later documentary by Herzog, "My Best Fiend" (1999), which analyzed their stormy partnership.

Moreover, the film explores Herzog's choice for shooting in remote and often hostile areas, which typically presented considerable difficulties for his cast and crew. For example, throughout the filming of "Fitzcarraldo", Herzog insisted on physically moving a 320-ton steamship over a mountain, declining any use of special effects. This commitment to credibility imbues Herzog's movies with a raw power that sets them apart from mainstream movie theater.

Viewpoint on Documentary Filmmaking
Apart from his narrative films, Werner Herzog is likewise renowned for his contribution to the world of documentary filmmaking. The film highlights his views on the nature of documentary filmmaking, particularly concerning the portrayal of truth and truth. Herzog thinks that a documentary should offer insight into much deeper levels of understanding beyond what is illustrated on the surface area. He refers to these deeper truths as "the thrilled fact", which he perceives as the supreme goal for any documentary filmmaker.

Conclusion
"Portrait: Werner Herzog" supplies a captivating exploration of the enigmatic figure of Werner Herzog, providing a window into his innovative process, his ideas on filmmaking, and the inspirations behind his cinematic vision. The movie showcases Herzog's special point of view on movie theater, which goes beyond the limits in between reality and the envisioned. Through revealing interviews, behind-the-scenes video, and scenes from his renowned films, this documentary uses a thorough picture of among the most prominent and original filmmakers of our time.

Top Cast

  • Werner Herzog (small)
    Werner Herzog
    Self
  • Reinhold Messner (small)
    Reinhold Messner
    Self
  • Lotte Eisner (small)
    Lotte Eisner
    Self
  • Mick Jagger (small)
    Mick Jagger
    Self (archive footage)
  • Jason Robards (small)
    Jason Robards
    Self (archive footage)
  • Klaus Kinski (small)
    Klaus Kinski
    Self (archive footage)
  • Paul Hittscher (small)
    Paul Hittscher
    Self (archive footage)
  • Thomas Mauch
    Self (archive footage)
  • Beat Presser
    Self (archive footage)
  • Walter Saxer
    Self (archive footage)
  • Franz Josef Strauß
    Self - Oktoberfest