Review of Heart of Glass (1976) by Grant P — 03 Jul 2008

Undoubtedly the most peculiar Herzog film that I've seen, Herz aus glas is interesting study of filmmaking, hypnosis, and the realm of the mystical.

At first, the film seems to disregard any sense of linearity with its lengthy voiceover prophecies of doom from Hias and stunningly gorgeous images of unadulterated nature. However, soon Herzog introduces mesmeric (18th century?) Bavarians in the village of Strauberg as well as engraven images of Christianity.

Because the characters in the film are in a collective trance, the ideas expressed in dialogue seem to be incomplete. The initial plot of Huttenbesitzer obtaining the ruby glass secret eventually dissolves into a broader focus on the forthcoming fate or as Herzog puts it, "a foreseen disaster.".

The concluding scene is a strangely familiar one (within the frame of the film and Herzog's other projects), containing references to the nature of society and other more subtle ones to cultural corruption, at least in my opinion.

Very odd. I'm going to assume Harmony Korine adopted his aesthetic from this film in particular even if he says Stroszek is his favorite, haha.