Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Scott C — 27 Nov 2012

The virtuoso performance by Klaus Kinski is worth a look; however, it is difficult to see how Werner Herzog made his bones on this one. The copious scenes of the jungle and the epic struggle of man against nature seem to undermine the futility of the finish.

If, as it seems, the story's resolution is crafted to emphasize man's hubris and the frailty of his endeavors, the theme is not satisfactorily built-up during the earlier stages of the story. Accordingly, the closing scene that dramatizes the futility of the expedition lacks emotional punch and leaves viewers flat.