Review of Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010) by Thomas W — 20 Oct 2011

Perhaps it is my love of history. Perhaps it is my love of Europe. Perhaps it is my love of art. Perhaps it is my love of animals. Whatever it is ... I found Werner Herzog's (Grizzly Man, Rescue Dawn) Cave of Forgotten Dreams beyond fascinating.

Herzog was granted a very rare permission from the French government to actually photograph and record his expedition into the Chauvet Cave of southern France where 30,000 year old cave art was discovered upon the walls in the early 90's by three random spelunkers (one named Chauvet).

The artwork on the walls had been sealed off for centuries as a rockslide caved-in the cave's only door/entrance and so has been perfectly preserved ... and they are marvels to look at. While appearing to be rudimentary drawings of horses and rhinos (wh-what?! .

.. in France?!), they magically spring to life in the proper light and a drawn-motion can be seen. The animals actually appear to be moving before your eyes as the artists used the un-even contours of the cave walls to capture movement -- it was genius! My mouth gaped open and I had tears streaming down my cheeks in utter amazement at what I saw in this film.

I am not kidding. If one likes slower-paced documentaries (or simply art or human history), I would highly recommend this mesmerizing feature. I am in awe of what these unknown artists created 30 thousand years ago! I can say my mind was blown .

.. and I feel sorry (actually, how elitist of me) for those who won't appreciate this as it IS awesome (as in full of awe). And, no ... that isn't an opinion.