Review of Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) by Grant P — 06 Jul 2008

Aguirre, der zorn Gottes is an ill-fated quest for power and fame by Spanish Conquistadors. Lope de Aguirre's delusional episodes steadily befall the group in search of the golden mirage of El Dorado.

What makes Aguirre particularly interesting is that the narration is not by its principle character but in fact by another member of the troupe, Gaspar de Carvajal. This adds a certain depth to his character and his relationship to the others. At first his entries seems objectively optimistic but as time passes, it's clear that Carvajal is corrupted and desperate.

By today's standards, it's easy to recognize the film's commentary on religious extremism and persecution. Instead of befriending or attempting to understand the native tribes, the Spaniards are paralyzed by fear and immediately perceive them as enemies, turning them into slaves, physically or metaphysically seizing land, and killing them at the slightest sign of their "holy" refusal. Eventually this fear, particular Aguirre's, turns inward and destroys himself.

Additionally, the film has a certain mythology to it with all sorts of extraordinary and life-threating situations occurring on location in the Peruvian jungle. On the larger scale of things, they do enhance the experience but Aguirre's authenticity is its strongest and most obvious asset.