theguardian.com
Burden of Dreams: Herzog's Fitzcarraldo Production
Les Blank's 1982 documentary follows Werner Herzog's troubled production of Fitzcarraldo in the Peruvian jungle, detailing cast and crew illnesses, accidents, and the director's unwavering commitment to his ambitious vision despite setbacks and ethical concerns.
- What ethical considerations, if any, arise from Herzog's filmmaking methods and the documentary's depiction of them?
- The documentary foreshadows the challenges of large-scale filmmaking in remote locations, where unforeseen circumstances can derail production. Herzog's commitment, despite the extreme difficulties faced by the cast and crew, underscores the dedication required for such ambitious projects, offering a glimpse into the intense pressure and sacrifices inherent in filmmaking. The documentary raises questions about the ethical implications of the film's production, specifically the use of local people.
- What were the primary challenges faced during the filming of Herzog's Fitzcarraldo, and how did these challenges impact the production?
- Les Blank's 1982 documentary chronicles Werner Herzog's arduous filming of Fitzcarraldo in the Peruvian jungle. The film details Herzog's decision to transport a steamship across land, mirroring the film's plot but escalating the challenges with on-location shooting. The production faced setbacks including illness, injuries, and cast changes, significantly delaying filming.
- How did Herzog's decision to film on location in the Peruvian jungle, rather than using a more accessible location, shape the film's production and final outcome?
- Herzog's unwavering commitment to his artistic vision, despite numerous setbacks, is a central theme. The documentary contrasts Herzog's meticulous planning with the unpredictable nature of the jungle environment, highlighting the conflict between artistic ambition and practical realities. The film's production mirrored its subject matter; the logistical nightmare of moving a steamship became the reality for the cast and crew.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review presents a balanced perspective on Herzog's film and the making of it, acknowledging both the positive aspects (Herzog's vision, the film's uniqueness) and the negative aspects (the suffering of the cast and crew, Herzog's difficult personality).
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and objective, avoiding overly loaded or subjective terms. Words like "crazy," "bizarre," and "magnificent" are used but are generally descriptive within the context of the subject matter, rather than expressing a bias.
Bias by Omission
The documentary omits specific details about the light plane crashes mentioned by Herzog, including the names of those injured or paralyzed. This lack of detail hinders the ability to fully assess the severity of the incidents and raises questions about the accuracy of the claims.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film depicts the exploitation of Indigenous peoples as slave labor, highlighting the stark realities of poverty and economic desperation that can drive individuals to accept exploitative working conditions. The pursuit of profit by Fitzcarraldo, irrespective of the human cost, underscores the negative impact of unchecked capitalism on vulnerable populations and the perpetuation of poverty.