What common misconception about Werner Herzog does the interviewer address?

The common misconception is that Herzog must possess the obsessive, demented, or paranoid qualities of the extreme characters he portrays. Herzog clarifies that these are invented characters and not necessarily reflections of his own personality.

How did Werner Herzog manage the volatile behavior of actor Klaus Kinski?

Herzog recounts an incident where Kinski raged over lukewarm coffee during a crisis. Herzog eventually calmed him by eating a rare piece of Swiss chocolate in front of him, demonstrating an understanding of Kinski's psychological triggers.

What is Herzog's approach to leadership and risk in filmmaking?

Herzog believes in eliminating harm before it appears, being prudent, and testing dangerous situations himself first. His proof of success is that none of his actors have been injured over 70 films, though collaborators have occasionally faced accidents.

Why does Werner Herzog prefer real-world feats over CGI in filmmaking?

Herzog argues that digital effects, while visually impressive, cannot replicate the authenticity of real-world experiences. He believes that incorporating the unknown and unexpected into the filmmaking process creates a deeper, unparalleled authenticity.

How did Herzog solve the 'Vanishing Area Paradox' presented in Scientific American?

Herzog suspected the paradox, which defied his sense of reality, was a hoax. Upon closer examination, he found that the illusion was created by slightly altering the angles within the drawing, making the space appear larger.

What was Werner Herzog's response when facing a booing audience?

During the filming of the Kuwaiti oil fires, Herzog faced backlash for aestheticizing horror. He stood his ground, referencing artists like Dante and asserting that the audience was wrong, reinforcing his resolve.

Why does Herzog emphasize reading so strongly for aspiring filmmakers?

Herzog believes reading is crucial for developing conceptual and intellectual depth, far beyond technical filmmaking skills. He states that without reading, one can only be a mediocre filmmaker, while significant figures in any field are avid readers.

What is the meaning behind Herzog's advice: 'Carry bolt cutters everywhere'?

This phrase, from his book 'A Guide for the Perplexed,' signifies the need for initiative and preparedness to overcome institutional cowardice and limitations. It encourages filmmakers to be bold and resourceful in achieving their vision.

Does an imposter sometimes tell a deeper truth than a real person?

Herzog suggests that in certain contexts, like the Japanese company Family Romance, an imposter playing a role might reveal more about human desires and societal pressures than a real person who feels compelled to maintain face and lie.

What are Werner Herzog's views on technological utopias like space colonization or immortality?

Herzog dismisses such utopias as unrealistic and even obscene. He argues that space colonization on a mass scale is technically unfeasible and unwise, and that true immortality is impossible, as impermanence is a fundamental aspect of creation.

How does the act of filming, even in documentaries, change reality?

Herzog believes filmmakers are creators, not passive observers. He actively inserts himself, molds, and influences the story, even changing facts to resemble truth more than mere reality, drawing parallels to Michelangelo's Pietà.

Key Moments

Werner Herzog on "The Portal", Episode #003: "The Outlaw as Revelator"

The Portal

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Jul 31, 2019|210,169 views|5,257|824

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Werner Herzog discusses outlaw filmmaking, risk, truth, and the necessity of reading and real-world experience.

Key Insights

Herzog's films, though fictional, are born from his profound, 'outlaw' life experiences and reveal a consistent worldview.

He distinguishes between his characters' obsessive qualities and his own, emphasizing that actors like Kinski embodied extreme traits.

Herzog prioritizes practical problem-solving and a sense of duty over blind obedience, drawing parallels to historical leadership.

He advocates for 'expropriation' rather than theft in filmmaking, emphasizing illegal actions only when they don't harm others.

Authentic experience and reality are paramount; CGI cannot replicate the profound impact of real-world endeavors.

Reading and traveling on foot are crucial for understanding reality and developing a significant worldview.

THE UNIFYING PRINCIPLE OF HERTZOG'S WORK

Werner Herzog believes his diverse body of work, spanning ski flyers, cavemen, and epic film productions, shares a common, subtle organizing principle. While he doesn't dwell on his past films, he recognizes a distinct worldview that audiences can identify within minutes. This shared perspective suggests an underlying architecture of concepts that unifies his diverse subjects, even if he cannot articulate its precise origin or how it manifests.

CHARACTER VS. CREATOR: DISTINGUISHING HERTZOG FROM HIS FILMS

A common misconception is that Herzog embodies the extreme qualities of his film characters. He clarifies that figures like the conquistador in 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God' possess traits he portrays, but these are not necessarily his own. He uses Klaus Kinski as an example of an actor who brought extreme, destructive qualities to his roles, contrasting with Herzog's own leadership style, which, while demanding, is focused on safety and purpose.

LEADERSHIP AND DUTY IN THE FACE OF CHAOS

Herzog emphasizes a sense of duty and loyalty as central to his leadership, particularly in high-pressure filmmaking situations. He recounts an incident where he was shot but prioritized finishing the day's filming over immediate police involvement, a 'soldier of cinema' mentality. This approach, he clarifies, is not blind military discipline but a pragmatic effort to minimize risk and ensure the project's completion, often by testing dangerous situations himself first.

THE NECESSITY OF 'OUTLAW' CREATIVITY AND REAL EXPERIENCE

Herzog champions an 'outlaw' approach to filmmaking, encouraging creators to be prepared to 'expropriate' rather than steal, break rules, and forge documents when necessary for the work, as long as no one is harmed. He argues that true filmmaking is rooted in authentic experience, not digital manipulation. He believes that attempts to replicate real-world endeavors, like moving a ship over a mountain with CGI, lack the unparalleled authenticity derived from facing the unknown and unexpected in reality.

NAVIGATING TRUTH, DECEPTION, AND THE POWER OF READING

Herzog contends that facts do not equal truth, and sometimes deception or an 'imposter' can reveal deeper truths, citing his film 'Family Romance, LLC.' He contrasts this with the current cultural mania for authenticity, lamenting the decline in reading, which he sees as crucial for intellectual development and leadership. He argues that reading, alongside traveling on foot, offers a clarity and insight into the world that is otherwise unattainable.

THE ENDURING RELEVANCE OF DEPTH AND VISION

Despite the prevalence of shallow content, Herzog believes that films with depth, vision, and significant stories will endure and find new audiences, especially with the aid of the internet. He notes how younger generations are rediscovering older, meaningful works. He advocates for creators to be mentally active, embrace bold ideas, maintain a relentless passion for their craft, and understand that technological utopias are fleeting, unlike the fundamental truths found in reality and genuine human experience.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Companies

●Books

●People Referenced

Herzog's Principles for Filmmakers and Life

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Carry bolt cutters everywhere.

Always take the initiative.

Send all your dogs; one might return with prey.

Learn to live with your mistakes.

Expand your knowledge of music and literature.

Do something impressive with the tools you have (film, computer).

Travel on foot to gain insight into the world.

Read extensively, especially literature.

Avoid This

Wallow in your troubles; despair must be kept private.

Be institutionally cowardly, especially in the film industry.

Rely solely on digital effects; embrace real-world experience.

Blame the internet for all societal decline; acknowledge pre-existing trends.

Seek technological utopias like mass space colonization or immortality.

Be overly fact-oriented; embrace the nuances that resemble truth more than reality.

Common Questions

Herzog believes there's a common worldview in his films, characterized by an architecture of concepts that viewers can recognize. This worldview is deeply tied to his profound life experiences and the pursuit of authenticity.

Topics

Art Vs Reality Berlin School Outlaw Cinema

Mentioned in this video

People

Christian Bale

Actor who starred in Herzog's film Rescue Dawn, known for his intense dedication to his roles.

Amos Foley

A reviewer for the Village Voice who described the scene of Herzog facing a hostile audience.

Jesse Ventura

Former professional wrestler, actor, and governor of Minnesota, known for his colorful quotes and down-to-earth approach.

Klaus Kinski

An actor who frequently collaborated with Herzog, known for his intense and often volatile performances.

Michael Shannon

Actor who filmed with Herzog in Xinjiang, China, without permits, demonstrating bravery in a potentially risky situation.

Dieter Dengler

The real-life character portrayed by Christian Bale in Rescue Dawn, a pilot who escaped captivity in Vietnam.

Joe Morgenstern

A reviewer who initially gave a negative review to 'Bonnie and Clyde' but later revised his opinion, highlighting the importance of re-evaluation.

Harmony Korine

Filmmaker mentioned in relation to controversial artistic choices, discussed alongside David Blaine.

Books

The Peregrine

A 1967 book by J.A. Baker about observing peregrine falcons, praised for its prose and observational detail, recommended by Herzog.

The Discovery and Conquest of New Spain

A historical account by Bernal Díaz del Castillo, recommended by Herzog for its detailed insights into human nature.

A Guide for the Perplexed

A book by Maimonides that inspired Werner Herzog's book title, 'A Guide for the Perplexed'.

Companies

Family Romance LLC

A Japanese company that provides fake family members for clients, explored in Herzog's film of the same name.

Criterion Collection

A distributor of important classic and contemporary films, which has reappeared on streaming platforms, indicating a resurgence of interest in substantial cinema.

Media

Fitzcarraldo

A film by Werner Herzog, notable for its story of a man dragging a boat over a mountain, a feat that the film's director also accomplished in real life.

Jack Reacher

A Hollywood film in which Herzog acted, playing a dangerous character.

The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser

An early film by Herzog that continues to resonate with young audiences, demonstrating the enduring power of his work.