Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Maxwell S — 02 Oct 2012

I put this one off WAY too long. And this night I write this, was the first night I have seen it, and also the night where I deem this as my second favorite film of all time (behind Jean Vigo's "L'Atalante"). This film is a singular work in cinema.

Not only was I technically impressed, but I was stabbed emotionally. You need to understand the film in order to be affect so profoundly. How brilliant ever aspect is, and how consistent it is at doing so. I believe Herzog knew this was his greatest vision, and it's impressive how well he supported it.

Narratively, it couldn't be better. It is narrated through the diary of the monk, vaguely, while being controlled through the hauntingly powerful performance of the great Klaus Kinski. It's style/scope is open to the right and wrong of each decision. The humane and the inhumane. It constantly displays scene of such great power, it's nearly beyond my comprehension. It's among the most beautiful films ever made. It's visuals won't be entirely appealing to everyone, understandably, but the STUNNING camerawork (among the greatest cinematography ever, like Terrence Malick great). That last shot will stay with me for years to come, and almost every other shot, as well. This film unleashes on appeal to the senses, in every way. The soundtrack is quite magnificent as well. Popul Vuh, who made one of my favorite albums "Hoisanna Mantra", produced this films eerie, compelling, and entirely fitting soundtrack.

I imagine this to be a film that can be loved without a great amount of intuition regarding the study of cinema, however only the smartest will be able to comprehend this film as the true masterpiece it is.