Review of Heart of Glass (1976) by Steve S — 20 Feb 2008

Herzog is a master artist. He doesn't so much worry about the story as he does influencing his audience. "Heart of Glass" is the best example of this. I have absolutely no idea what this film is about.

I know the basic plotline, but what all the allegories mean, what every word, phrase, and image all tie to, I have no idea. The film is shrouded in mystery and filled with dreamlike qualities. This is where the film succeeds, and what I believe one the purposes of the film to be.

Herzog wants us to feel out of place, curious and mostly just weirded out. (He notoriously hypnotized his actors, except for the character of Hias, throughout the entire filming process.) Where the film fails is in its message and story.

There isn't really a coherent one. And this is a problem because it's hard to care for a movie that is really enigmatic. This is truly an experiemental film. One that is not for the average filmgoer.

Still, I can't help but think this is better than a lot of American drivel that gets pumped out of the Hollywood system. But when comparing it with other Herzog films, which is what I'm doing here, it's certainly not among his elite.