Review of Cobra Verde (1987) by Felipe N — 02 Sep 2008

"Kinski goes nuts in Africa" could be the tagline. Herzog vowed never again to work with Kinski after this film, and the actor does seem particularly manic throughout the film as the Brazilian bandit turned slave boss.

Herzog seems to have lost interest in the story, but instead seems to focus his attention on capturing the vivid, anarchic spirit of Africa. There are some fascinating scenes, and the last scene as Kinski attempts to single-handedly pull his large boat off the beach, only to fail and float lifelessly in the surf while a deformed African walking on all fours looks on is extraordinary.