Review of Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010) by Dan B — 23 Mar 2011

Cheery Uncle Werner gains exclusive access to a cave in Southern France and brings back stunning images of Palaeolithic paintings. The film itself is a mix of documentary, poetry and philosophy, at times exhilarating, but elsewhere a tad slow and with no continuous story as such. Still the use of 3D is stunning (and feels genuinely essential) and if youâ(TM)re at all interested in art and / or humanity itâ(TM)s most definitely worth a trip to the cinema.

The screening I attended at the Stratford East Picturehouse was followed by a satellite link up to a Q&A at the Brixton Ritzy. Herzog was in great form, gave engaging and thorough answers and seemed less mannered than on a previous occasion when Iâ(TM)ve seen him interviewed. But for us the highlight was undoubtedly when he answered a question Iâ(TM)d emailed in on behalf of the kids. To have one of the greatest cineastes of the late 20th century respond to our twin 11 year olds was something of a special moment to say the least. All power to Picturehouse (and other independent cinemas) for making these events happen.