Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Matt G — 08 Jan 2008

The atmosphere in this is dense with desperation. The character of Aguirre is one to be remembered. We are never told his intentions, but from the very beginning, we can see it in his face. Kinski internalizes the core of Aguirre, like no one else could have.

It definitely qualifies as a tragedy, but I think the tragic hero is that part of humanity that strives for complete control. Herzog paints a very vivid description of the conquistador mindset - conquer everything, or be a failure.

Aguirre's last few monologues qualify as something beyond acting. He was mesmerizing like few have ever been.