Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Matthew B — 31 Aug 2010

Werner Herzog's films seem to exist in a level of reality beyond the narratives actually unfolding onscreen. It is difficult to describe the surreal nature of the listless, languid photography, Popol Vuh's haunting, choral soundscapes, and the passive, muted performances without some level of dumbfounded awe.

Klaus Kinski, as always, totally dominates the screen with a performance both ominously subtle and viciously animalistic; his vitriol after the decapitation scene ("Whoever even thinks of deserting will be cut into 198 pieces, and then trampled upon until you can paint the walls with him! Whoever eats one grain too many or drinks one drop of water too much will be locked up for 155 years! If I, Aguirre, want the birds to drop dead from the trees, the birds will drop dead from the trees.

I am the Wrath of God! The earth I walk upon sees me and quakes!") is absolutely terrifying, and the immortal scene with the swarm of mocking, tantalizing little monkeys is, indeed, unforgettable.

Herzog's films are not pieces of art to be merely viewed - they must be experienced and felt with all their shattering intensity to be truly understood.