Movie of the Week: ‘Aguirre, the Wrath of God’

“Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972) – Director/writer Werner Herzog travels to the Amazon to tell the tale of Don Lope de Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) and his quest to find the Lost City of Gold.  Set in the 16th century, Aguirre and his Spanish contingent mire in the muck, rain and unforgiving wilderness on their foolish errand. As prospects grow dim, Aguirre becomes increasingly irrational, and Kinski – with his infamously unpredictable persona – might be the perfect actor to play this outrageous explorer. This is a purposely-troubling picture that…

Ten essential Werner Herzog documentaries

Ten essential Werner Herzog documentaries Werner Herzog turns 79 years young on Sept. 5, and this forward and fearless Oscar-nominated filmmaker frequently makes narratives and documentaries.  One of the most celebrated aspects of Werner’s documentaries – at least to this critic – is his narration.  His one-of-a-kind cadence, eccentric and blunt word choices, and old-school perspectives make him a most welcome verbal chaperone for his daring on-screen choices. Well, in honor of this legend’s birthday, I’m looking back at ten essential Werner Herzog documentaries. “Land of Silence and Darkness” (1971)…