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Aguirre, the Wrath of God

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Aguirre, the Wrath of God by Eric Ames delves into the making of Werner Herzog's iconic film, exploring its historical context, production challenges, and cultural impact. The book provides insights into Herzog's creative process and the enduring legacy of the film while examining its themes of madness and obsession. It's an intriguing read for those interested in film history and the art of filmmaking.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the creative processes of visionary filmmakers, especially those breaking the boundaries of conventional storytelling. It dives deep into the mind of legendary director Werner Herzog, offering insights into his iconic film, set against the backdrop of the Amazon. The combination of biography and critical analysis provides a fascinating look at the interplay between madness, obsession, and genius.

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Aguirre, the Wrath of God (Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes) is and perhaps always will be Werner Herzog's most important film. Aguirre is not a history film in the narrow sense, but it does engage a specific episode in the conquest of the New World, and it explores that history in terms of vision.

Original archival research is combined with close textual analysis to provide fresh perspectives on the artistic achivement and troubled production of Werner Herzog's breakthrough film.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Eric Ames draws on original archival research to provide fresh perspectives on Werner Herzog's breakthrough 1972 film, Aguirre, the Wrath of God (Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes), which portrays an expedition by Spanish conquistadors led by Aguirre (played by Klaus Kinski) to find the legendary city of El Dorado.

Ames explores how the film is remembered: for its breathtaking visual style and narrative power, but also for Herzog's tense, behind-the-scenes relationship with star Kinski. Did Herzog really direct him at gunpoint? Did they plot each other's murder? The legends begin here …

Ames reconstructs the film as an experiment in visualising the past from the viewpoint of the present. Aguirre is not a history film in the narrow sense, but it does engage a specific episode in the conquest of the New World, and it explores that history in terms of vision. Interweaving close analysis with extensive archival research, Ames explores Aguirre as a seminal film about the madness and hopelessness of Western striving.

In addition, as an appendix, he offers for the first time a complete translation of an infamous, secretly recorded argument between Herzog and Kinski on the set.

Series: BFI Film Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781844577538

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 July 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: BFI Publishing

Illustration: 60 colour illus

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 188.0mm

Weight: 160g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Eric Ames is Professor ofΒ Comparative Literature, Cinema and MediaΒ at the University of Washington, USA. He is the editor of Werner Herzog: Interviews (2014) and the author ofΒ Ferocious Reality: Documentary according to Werner Herzog (2012).

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