Auteur Study - Werner Herzog
Annotated Catalogue –
Is Werner Herzog an obsessive filmmaker?
Does Werner Herzog create films for; himself,
others or for money? - Draft
Item 1 -
“Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe,” 1980
This
short documentary directed by Les Blank focuses on a bet made by Herzog to his
friend and independent film maker, Errol Morris. I chose this item as its’
appearance is much different to its message. This theme of “not judging a
book by its’ cover” is a common presence in Werner Herzog’s life. The bet
was made when Morris was lacking encouragement to finish his own film “Gates of
Heaven,” and so as a form of encouragement Herzog promised Errol that if he
managed to finish his film he would consume one of his very own shoes. This act
of eating his own shoe symbolised his support of his friend and more
widely, independent cinema.
Item 2 -
“Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes,” 1972 (Aguirre, Wrath of God)
Aguirre
is also set in an extreme environment and is also in the style of a
documentary. (Another trait of Herzog's work.)
Item 3 -
“Fitzcarraldo,” 1982
This film’s
trivia is critical to representing Werner Herzog’s idiosyncrasy which is his
actual auteur theme. Filming in such dangerous and extreme locations is one of
Herzog’s techniques which he uses constantly with many of his pieces. In my
presentation script, I will talk about how Herzog wanted a real ship to be
lifted over a hill and that after completing this task, named himself the “Conquistador of the Useless.” This film
is also key as it shows Werner’s friendship
and relationship with Klaus Kinski.
Item 4 -
"Grizzly Man," 2005
Grizzly
Man is very useful in portraying Werner Herzog’s auteur behaviour. Again, it is
filmed in another extreme environment and structures itself on an extreme
narrative.
Item 5 -
In Praise of Rapturous Truth
A letter
to Werner Herzog written by film critic Roger Ebert – This letter shows
Herzog’s uses of non-fiction in his fictional documentaries. A contrasted
effort only preserved by himself today. It also shows his auteur personality of
affecting people’s lives and challenging his audiences. It is quoted that the
letter is “to a man whose life and career have embodied a vision of the
cinema that challenges moviegoers.” This item can be used predominantly for
referencing Herzog’s truthful and realistic attitude to all his films as a
director.
Interviews…
Item 6 -
Interview of Werner Herzog by Jonathan Demme (2008)
Item 7 –
Interview of Werner Herzog by Mark Kermode (BBC - 2006)
This
interview is a crucial part of my research as it shows Werner Herzog being shot
by an air rifle whilst talking about his career on the rooftops of LA. I will
be exploring this act of violence and will be trying to find out why this
occurred and to what connection this has to his film work. In the clip he shows
to not take too much notice of the wound and continues with the interview
confirming his apparent eccentricity.
Item 8 - The
Vulture Transcript - Werner Herzog on His Unique Career, Clowns, and
Getting Punk'd by Mel Brooks by Steve Marsh
Item 9 -
Auteur Study
Item 10 -
Literature into Film: Theory and Practical Approaches by Linda Costanzo
Cahir
An
extract in this book relates closely to my research as it explores auteur
theory and contextualises it. This book is useful due to connecting film to art
and literature by discussing how film is studied in universities in the world
today. I am able to quote from this book to explain exactly what auteur theory
is and when it was introduced.
Newspaper
Articles...
Item 11 -
Werner Herzog on death, danger and the end of the world by Steve Rose 'The
Guardian'
Documents
his close to death experiences and he face death and danger without hesitation.
Item 12 –
Loops along the River – Wide Angle – SOUNDINGS by Stuart Heaney
Dangerous
locations etc.
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