10/10
A stunning, momentous classic
20 May 2022
Some productions are so legendary that they are familiar to viewers long before we actually watch the film. 'Aguirre, the wrath of god' is arguably one of the very best examples of this. The conditions the cast and crew experienced, and the trials and tribulations of the expeditionary party in the film, are all but one and the same. The fiery animosity between filmmaker Werner Herzog and unpredictable star Klaus Kinski is among the most widely known collaborations, or clashes, in all of cinema. Between these heavy doses of untamed realism, the immense work from all angles that went into the creation, and the lush, haunting ambient music of Popol Vuh, it's easy to become absorbed in the saga as it unfolds. Recognizing the unembellished nature of the film, declining hooks or twists, 'Aguirre' surely won't appeal to all comers, but it remains a dazzling and almost naturalistic spectacle that everyone needs to see at least once.

For all the intense hardship that characterized the days filming on location in remote areas of South America, it resulted in a viewing experience that's fascinating. We get eyefuls of incredible landscapes and scenery thanks to Herzog's timeless shot composition, and Thomas Mauch's rich, crisp cinematography. The costume design, set pieces, and weapons and props have the appearance of stark authenticity, while the somber and grizzled performances of the cast give definite impressions of the growing disintegration of the expedition, mentally and otherwise. (Even questionable dubbing in post-production can't dampen the effect.) As the runtime advances and the group aimlessly journeys on, strong, dire themes come into ever greater focus of the inane madness and foolishness of colonialism, and empire; the exploitative amoral cruelty and senselessness of the Age of Exploration, and all it represents; the corruption and myopic folly of power; and the monstrous abject barbarity of so-called missionaries. To these add a gnawing air of futility as the length goes on while Aguirre stands mindlessly fixated on a glorious goal - this is not a movie one watches to be entertained, but instead to be mesmerized, and indulge in the terrific artistry of cinematic storytelling.

There's a bleakness to the narrative (and, frankly, the production as a whole) that is spellbinding, while at the same time it's eerily, tragically beautiful. The sparing music and more prevalent contrasting silence in the soundtrack only compounds the grim atmosphere, and tightens our attentiveness. I fully expected a good time before I started watching, but still the experience has bested my assumptions. Every element of 'The wrath of god' boasts a reputation that precedes it, and despite the basic simplicity of the plot, it undeniably becomes captivating as the trek progresses and unravels. I can understand why this won't be for everyone, yet there's such tremendous excellence of film-making and storytelling as to become an essential classic. It's difficult to speak of the title to any further extent without betraying foreknowledge, but all I can say is that 'Aguirre, the wrath of god' is stupendous achievement that ranks among the finest works the medium has to offer. Even if you need to go out of your way to find it, this is well worth 90 minutes of your time.
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