Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Jason J — 03 Mar 2012

Klaus Kinski is a mad conquistador Aguirre, searching for the legendary city of El Dorado in the Amazon basin during the year 1560. What initially sounds like a good idea for the men that follow him turns into a disaster as food starts to run out on their journey on a raft downstream and an unknown enemy starts picking them off. But Aguirre, completely obsessed with the rewards of finding El Dorado refuses to turn back. The first 10 mins of the movie sets the tone and pace of the movie as we see soldiers, South American Indian slaves and horses make their way down a steep mountain path which is a breathtaking sight to behold.

This movie comes across like a documentary such is the feel to it. Klaus Kinski is a revelation as Aguirre as we witness his journey into madness. He is so convincing as he loses touch with reality. Herzog and Kinski had a volatile relationship with each other and probably this could be the reason why Herzog got the best out of him. Herzog would deliberately make Kinski mad with rage and only after his temper tantrums had fizzled out would he shoot scenes with him. This movie isn't for everybody but those that appreciate something a little bit different from the norm will be rewarded with a beautiful and haunting experience that will live long in the mind.