Reviews

In this meticulously crafted documentary by Thomas von Steinaecker, Werner Herzog, an unparalleled figure in popular culture, is explored not just as a filmmaker but as an extraordinary auteur. Featuring insights from luminaries like Wim Wenders, Volker Schlöndorff, Nicole Kidman, and others, the film delves into Herzog's illustrious career, from early successes like "Even Dwarfs Started Small" to grandiose masterpieces such as "Aguirre, Wrath of God" and "Fitzcarraldo," with Klaus Kinski as his tempestuous alter ego. The narrative extends to his impactful documentary work, including "Grizzly Man." Released alongside Herzog's autobiography, the film joyfully navigates rich anecdotes, from Herzog's nonchalant response to being shot during an interview to his stoic determination in refusing medical attention. Zhao and others assert that Herzog's films orbit a singular theme: himself-the dissident, risk-taker, and existential disruptor challenging sanity's boundaries. Whether in the Amazon or documenting penguins, Herzog's presence remains an unwavering force, with a work ethic often described as "dreamer-like." This documentary encapsulates the brilliance of Herzog's cinematic journey and the indomitable spirit propelling it forward.

Kaja Popko.

Into the Inferno is a Werner Herzog documentary that explores the mesmerizing yet terrifying power of active volcanoes. Herzog and his co-creator, Clive Oppenheimer, travel to various countries to not only witness the boiling lava and throbbing magma but also examine the lives of the people living in their shadows. The film reveals how these communities have developed customs and rituals that are part celebratory and part fearful, acknowledging the destructive force of the volcanoes. With a nihilistic awe, Herzog presents the primeval images of churning red lava and pulsing magma, triggering a kind of horror or ecstasy. Into the Inferno is an intriguing and unnerving documentary that forces viewers to confront the power of nature and our own mortality.

"The Fire Within" is a documentary by Werner Herzog about French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who were consumed by their love for volcanoes. The film showcases their footage and photography of volcanic eruptions, showcasing their achievements and passion. Herzog's film is a requiem to the couple, fuelled by heavy instrumental and choral music, highlighting their life and achievements while barely dwelling on the accusations that they provoked dangerous situations. The documentary shows the Kraffts' surreal footage from around the world, featuring volcanic eruptions and nature's creatures, with one last powerful glimpse at two people joyfully following their passion into the belly of the beast.

Werner Herzog's documentary 'La Soufrière' captures the tense anticipation of an impending volcanic eruption on the island of Guadeloupe, as the filmmaker and his crew risk their lives to document the event. Although the eruption never came, the film remains a fascinating meditation on human mortality and ecological disaster, revealing Herzog's unwavering dedication to capturing the elusive cinematic sublime. While the lack of a violent climax adds an element of self-mockery to the final product, 'La Soufrière' remains a must-watch for film enthusiasts seeking a potent exploration of the intersection between human curiosity and natural danger.

Fire of Love is a captivating documentary about the French celebrity volcanologist couple Katia and Maurice Krafft, who share a passion for studying volcanoes. The film captures remarkable footage of the unpredictable personalities of the volcanoes they studied, using science and poetry to tell their story. The danger of the eruptions was part of the attraction for Katia and Maurice, whose curiosity grew stronger than their fear as they got closer to the boiling earth. The film is a love story between Katia, Maurice, and the volcanoes, exploring the psychology of a shared passion rather than the actual science behind the Kraffts' work.

Well, well, well, look who's here! Our resident eco-celebrity has received an unsolicited email inviting them to review the new documentary 'Bright Green Lies'. I'm sure they're just thrilled. It's not like they have anything better to do than watch yet another doom-and-gloom film about how humanity is destroying the planet, right?

But wait, this one's different! It's not just some half-baked, incoherent rant like 'Planet of the Humans'. No, this one actually has a well-researched argument, backed up by respected authors and experts in the field. And what is that argument, you ask? Well, it's simple: mainstream environmentalists are lying to us. They're distorting the facts to push their own agenda of renewable energy, and it's all just a ploy to protect their own way of life.

Yes, folks, you heard it here first: the real enemies of the environment are the very people who claim to care about it the most. Who needs coal companies and oil tycoons when you've got these sneaky green entrepreneurs and their henchmen in the media?

So, let's all sit back, relax, and watch 'Bright Green Lies'. Because if there's one thing we love more than a good conspiracy theory, it's a documentary that tells us what we already believe.

Kaja Popko.

If you're looking for a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat and challenges your expectations, 'The Fanatic' is the perfect choice. John Travolta gives a standout performance that's both compelling and unpredictable. While some may argue that the film is intentionally bad, it's clear that every aspect of this production was crafted with care and dedication.

The narration is an excellent addition to the film, setting a mood that's both mysterious and alluring. And let's not forget about the ending, which is nothing short of brilliant in its own unique way. While some may scratch their heads in confusion, true fans of the film will appreciate its audacity and willingness to take risks.

Sure, 'The Fanatic' may not be for everyone, but for those who can appreciate its subtle brilliance, it's a true gem. Don't let the naysayers discourage you, give it a chance and experience the magic for yourself. Just be warned, you may end up laughing so hard that your sides hurt!

"The Turin Horse" is a Hungarian film directed by Béla Tarr. The film is a meditation on the end of time and the end of days, inspired by the story of Friedrich Nietzsche's breakdown in Turin in 1889. The movie imagines what happened to the horse that Nietzsche saw being thrashed, and is now being driven by a hard-faced man back to his farm, where he gives terse orders to his daughter. The horse refuses to work or drink, and the old man and his daughter receive disturbing news from a neighbor about an approaching apocalyptic breakdown. The film is shot in Hungary and features Tarr's signature style of long takes, anvil silences, and fiercely unsmiling faces. The orchestral score by Tarr's long-time composer Mihály Víg is as incessant as the wind, repeating and repeating like Philip Glass. The movie exerts an eerie grip, with echoes of Bresson, Bergman, and Dreyer, and is a vision of a world going inexorably into a final darkness.

Kaja Popko.

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within explores the life of a Beat writer who was arguably the grittiest and most bedeviling of the group. Despite his association with punk and grunge, Burroughs's work was lyrically plaintive and his voice provided a window to his ineffable sadness. The documentary features interviews with Burroughs and his admirers, but they frustratingly only alight on his literary significance when speaking in terms of personal influence. Leyser attempts to equate Burroughs's gun fetishism with Hunter S. Thompson's recklessness, but Burroughs's most accomplished fiction was the boiling run-off of his inner-demon-induced sweat. Burroughs epitomized the 20th-century ideal of the over-educated libertine and forever changed the conversation about sexual orientation, but his last boyfriend recounts an evening where he confessed his love, only to be laughingly dismissed. A Man Within persuasively argues that Burroughs's most dangerous addiction might have been the refusal of love.

"The Master" is a brilliant and sad dissection of postwar America, about homemade spirituality and gimcrack philosophy. Joaquin Phoenix gives a laceratingly powerful performance as Freddie Quell, a drifter with a nervous breakdown and addiction to his own moonshine, who bonds with Philip Seymour Hoffman's cult leader, Lancaster Dodd. Dodd offers self-medication of the mind and body, attracting desperately lonely and vulnerable people to his new cult, and they become locked together in a dance of death - erotic and homoerotic. The film is about the origins of American modernity, the pre-history of a certain kind of self-help and self-belief, entrepreneurial and evangelical. The Master is a supremely confident work from a unique film-maker, just so different from the standard Hollywood output: audacious and unmissable.

"Bonsai" is a Chilean film directed by Cristián Jiménez, based on the novella by Chilean poet Alejandro Zambra. It is a story about a struggling writer, Julio, who pretends to be typing up a novel for a famous author, Gazmuri, to impress his girlfriend. In reality, he is writing the novel himself, using his past relationship with Emilia as the inspiration. The film is told in two different timelines, and features literary references throughout, particularly to Proust's "À la recherche du temps perdu." The film explores themes of love, lies, and literature. The plot is interesting, but the script is lacking in details, making it hard to follow at times. The bonsai tree serves as a recurring motif throughout the film.