Ahoy, squirts! Quint here... Now, I knew Herzog had a documentary called GRIZZLY MAN at Sundance this year and that it was very well received, but I hadn't heard of him doing a new non-documentary flick starring Brad Douriff, no less. It sounds very Herzog from the below test screening review. Enjoy!
Hey, just call me Dudley Smith. I just got back from a screening held by Werner Herzog of a rough cut of The Wild Blue Yonder, his forthcoming sci fi film starring Brad Douriff.
Herzog is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, but also one of the most unique. His films venture beyond anything established in the medium, and Yonder is no different. It's truly unlike any other sci fi film. The loose narrative features Douriff, channeling Kinski with his intensity, as an alien in human form, marooned on earth, and relating the history of his race on this planet. This is cross cut with footage of astronauts going to explore the alien's home planet, aka Wild Blue Yonder. Throughout there are moments that are completely Herzog, which is to say thought provoking, alienating, absurd and beautiful.
Douriff's monologues are amazing, and the actor delivers them in front of faded scenes of middle america (recalling Strozek). He has some amazing moments chronicling the alien's attempts at fitting in on earth, creating their own "washington" which is now broken down trailer homes and a large, lonely stone structure.
Most of the film is made up of footage of the astronauts floating in their ship, set to beautiful original music. When they reach the blue Yonder, which is filmed under ice, you are taken into another world. It is completely otherworldly. The sequence ranks up there with the monkeys on the raft in Wrath of God, the scenes of lifting the boat in Fitzcarraldo, and the town in Nosferatu overrun with rats. There are also interspersed interviews of professional scientists and mathematiciens, edited and staged in such a way they become wonderfully bizzare interludes.
Herzog answered questions after the movie, basically asking us what we liked/disliked about this bit, that bit. We were the first audience to see the rough cut. I told him he pretty much shouldn't change a frame. The film is hypnotic and totally refreshing. Herzog is a great storyteller, and said he has around 3 other films in pre production!
He'll have a hard time getting this one distributed, obviously. I'll be surprised to see how they market it. either way, It's a valuable addition to his filmography, and a small gem for film buffs. Keep an eye out for The Wild Blue Yonder!
