Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Michael G — 26 Aug 2010
Beautifully filmed and brilliantly acted, Aguirre may be a bit slow in developing its plot, but it is still a powerful critique of power and greed. Klaus Kinski gives an outstanding performance as Aguirre, the second in command on a mission for Pizzaro to scout the river ahead that supposedly lies upon the fabled path to El Dorado, the city of gold.
As Aguirre continues on his mission, he slowly begins to develop a madness for power and usurps the power harbored by his leaders to guide himself and his crew to the supposed riches of El Dorado. Kinski plays Aguirre in almost surreal manner--Aguirre walks as if he is weighed down by a heavy burden, a burden that is not just the power of leadership but also the weight of greed and madness.
Herzog films Aguirre in a manner that makes the film both exquisitely sublime and simultaneously sad on an existential level. It is a film about the lengths to which humankind will drive itself in search for economic advancement.
This review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) was written by Michael G on 26 Aug 2010.
Aguirre, the Wrath of God has generally received very positive reviews.
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