This was such a nice burst of pure, unadulterated Werner Herzog at his most Herzogiest. It was a story I'd heard of many years ago, but had never gotten around to actually watching the short documentary that depicts this tale for the ages. Basically, Herzog told fellow filmmaker Errol Morris that if Morris was able to complete his feature debut, Herzog would eat his shoe. Gates of Heaven came out, and Herzog stuck to his word by eating his shoe.
I have to admite Herzog for not backing out, and I similarly admire him for his odd sense of humor, his unique way of seeing the world, and his dedication to continually doing extreme things. The world will be an emptier place once he's gone, but I do also feel like his very best works will live on forever. Also... granted, he didn't direct this one (Les Blank did) but it's got Herzog's personality front-and-center, and feels distinctly Herzogian, if that can be a word.
It's at its best when Herzog is preparing, cooking, and then indeed eating the shoe. Other highlights included him talking about the pieces of cactus in his leg that can't be removed but don't bother him anymore, and when there's some more sincerity in parts where Herzog inspires aspiring filmmakers in similar positions to Morris'. It's just an all-around good documentary short, and essential viewing for anyone who considers themselves a fan of Werner Herzog.
I have to admite Herzog for not backing out, and I similarly admire him for his odd sense of humor, his unique way of seeing the world, and his dedication to continually doing extreme things. The world will be an emptier place once he's gone, but I do also feel like his very best works will live on forever. Also... granted, he didn't direct this one (Les Blank did) but it's got Herzog's personality front-and-center, and feels distinctly Herzogian, if that can be a word.
It's at its best when Herzog is preparing, cooking, and then indeed eating the shoe. Other highlights included him talking about the pieces of cactus in his leg that can't be removed but don't bother him anymore, and when there's some more sincerity in parts where Herzog inspires aspiring filmmakers in similar positions to Morris'. It's just an all-around good documentary short, and essential viewing for anyone who considers themselves a fan of Werner Herzog.