What would a Werner Herzog film be without a crisis. In this case the star is a no show and rather than abandon the project Herzog finds a replacement and comes up with a different and satisfying ending in this slim documentary.
The Island of Guadalupe has been evacuated after scientists predict a massive volcanic eruption. Herzog and a crew of two set out for the island in search of a local who decided to stay. The abandoned town has a real eeriness to it, the only movement being a traffic light. They venture near the volcano and are driven off by toxic gases. They find those who stayed behind; they are unfazed by the threat. Then the eruption never takes place.
Herzog improvises by interjecting a history section on a devastating volcanic explosion on Martinique in 1901. The suspense builds but then to the strains of Wagner and shots of a smoldering volcano Herzog announces it won't be happening. It makes for an ironic and humorous ending and also spares the lives of the incredibly composed islanders who stayed behind. In documentaries that's a good thing.
Soufriere may not be a great film but it is a fine example of a superb artist detouring around a project ending obstacle to deliver a memorable one.
The Island of Guadalupe has been evacuated after scientists predict a massive volcanic eruption. Herzog and a crew of two set out for the island in search of a local who decided to stay. The abandoned town has a real eeriness to it, the only movement being a traffic light. They venture near the volcano and are driven off by toxic gases. They find those who stayed behind; they are unfazed by the threat. Then the eruption never takes place.
Herzog improvises by interjecting a history section on a devastating volcanic explosion on Martinique in 1901. The suspense builds but then to the strains of Wagner and shots of a smoldering volcano Herzog announces it won't be happening. It makes for an ironic and humorous ending and also spares the lives of the incredibly composed islanders who stayed behind. In documentaries that's a good thing.
Soufriere may not be a great film but it is a fine example of a superb artist detouring around a project ending obstacle to deliver a memorable one.