Fitzcarraldo

The storyline thus requires Herzog to bring a steamship over a mountain and so proceeds to do this for real. There is no trickery involved and the mammoth task is performed before ours eyes with the help of native Indians from the region. Herzog recieved severe critisism from the both German and International press for his apparent expliotation of the indigenous culture.

This DVD however provides a "Directors commentary" feature with Herzog and producer Stipetic which tells their side of the story about the whole filming. Besides the film the DVD commentary is a real insight into the thoughts and inspiration which made Herzog pursue this very technically challenging film. Credit must also go to Stipetic who managed to keep the logistics together in a unfriendly environment and Thomas Mauch for his excellent photography.

Originally the fim was to star Jason Robarts and Mike Jagger believe it or not, however sickness on Robarts part and limited shooting time by Jagger meant their bowing out of the project. Herzog was prepared to play Fitzcarraldo if nobody to his satisfaction could be sought. He turned to his former lead role Klaus Kinski (Aguire Wrath Of God), though difficult and extremely tempermental Kinski gave an excellent performence.

Wth regard to this DVD watch and enjoy, it is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic and has a remastered 5.1(+Dolby Surround)soundtrack. The audio commemtary is the big bonus which features mostly Herzog who is a fluent english speaker and delivers it in a calm and coherent manner which is beguiling considering the actual scenes you are watching during it. A highly recommended purchase.


The greatest and most significant cinematic masterpiece ever filmed.   March 18, 2006
Daniel C. Henklein (Reno, Nevada)
8 out of 10 found this review helpful

It is unfashionable to be unequivocal.
How can one say that this or that is the best or better?
Nowadays one must always preface unequivocal statements
with phrases like "In my opinion..." or "Well, to me..."
or risk some form of social ostracization.
Everyone has their favorites certainly,
but how can one say something like "Beethoven is better than Bach"
or "Leonardo is better than Michelangelo"?
To make a statement like that would sound foolish and be absurd.
There is plenty of genius to go around in the arts,
and "in matters of taste there can be no argument".
But sometimes the passions of the artist are so great and deep,
the vision of the artist is so meaningful and profound,
and the techniques of the artist are so original and beautiful,
that the efforts of others working in the same medium
become dwarfed in significance by comparison.
It is then that one who is touched by that art
can be driven to disproportionate responses akin to ravings and manias.

Fitzcarraldo is the greatest and most significant cinematic masterpiece ever filmed.


Visual madness   June 4, 2000
S. Maruta (Bristol, England)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Herzog, recalling the shooting of the movie said that the Indians were so scared of Kinski's hysterical bouts of anger they offered to kill him... They were dead serious about it. Nothing in this movie is fake, it 's over two hours of unnerving madness spiralling into cathartic self-destruction. Kinski wasn't supposed to hold the role, in fact the shooting started with another actor (and Mick Jagger!) who got sick and had to renounce. But of course the movie would not have been the same without him, maybe it wouldn't have been at all, for Herzog's madness had to be matched by the cast. This movie is not meant as light entertainment but its superhuman quality makes for a fascinating viewing. A super-production, if this word means anything.


Captivating   October 18, 1999
Stuart Preece (Manchester, United Kingdom)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

I caught this on British television about 5 years ago, it also incuded a documentary on German director Werner Hertzog, and this being one of his creations, played Fitzcarraldo after the programme.

To be quite honest, having seen how he directs, he would even make James Cameron wince at the demands he makes of his cast and crew. Poor Klaus Kinski nearly lost it during production, and watching the film it's not difficult to see why. The concept, pulling a boat up a hillside and taking it to a river on the other side is frankly bizarre. Bear in mind we're not dealing with a canoe or inflatable boat here either, noooooo that would be TOO easy, try thinking more along the lines of a mississippi style paddle steamer.

The actual film is staggering in it's power to make you ask 'what the hell is going on!' but for some reason is strangely compelling.

Let's face it we've all seen the film about the boat hitting the iceberg (hint..Titanic) but pulling one over a mountaintop (no models or cg helping out here effects fans) is frankly a bit disturbing.

So, is it worth it? well I guess it's definitely maked under the category of 'different' but it shouldn't be classed really...it sort of defies classification! give it a try...you'll probably be just as exhausted after watching it as the 100 odd natives were when they lugged the boat to the top of that hill.


A Well Done Movie.   November 25, 1999
sauerkraut
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

I wasn't disappointed after finally being able to watch this amazing and intriguing film. Werner Herzog did an extraordinary job in making Fitzcarraldo. Klaus Kinski is top-notch in his role as the man that wants to bring opera to Iquitos. The cinematography is also very good. There was a tremendous amount of work put into making this movie and Werner Herzog deserves admiration. An added bonus to owning the DVD is the director's commentary which is very insightful and interesting. Fitzcarraldo is very original and is recommended.