Cool News
Werner Herzog's WILD BLUE YONDER has screened! How is it'!'
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!
-
+ Expand All
-
I am looking forward to seeing this!
-
I haven't really gotten to explore Herzogs films yet, but started with Stroszek the other day - and I was blown away! What an amazingly powerful film. Herzog is being watched closely from now on. Next one on my list is Fitzcarraldo. Any recommendations from you other AICNers?
-
Herzog's best has Klaus Kinski in them, invariably. Check out Aguirre after Fitzcarraldo and don't overlook the fascinating documentary about their partnership called, "My Best Fiend."
-
just kidding, Herzog really is one of the coolest things featured on this site lately. I just saw julien donkey boy last night and his performance is hilarious. He should act more.
-
Apr 09, 2005 7:17:38 PM CDT
Herzog's best includes Nosferatu, My Best Fiend, Even Dwarves St
by doom ii
...and Aguirre. That's a good place to start. I think his re-make of Nosferatu is one of the most beautifully shot films ever made. A Dracula movie with no special effects, but it completely engulfs the viewer with music and scenery that blow away most "modern" Hollywood vampire movies. The commentary track on the Anchor Bay release of Even Dwarves Started Small features Herzog as well as actor/bizarre fellow Crispin Glover and it's a classic! A must "listen to"....
-
Is Stroszek pronounced Stroz-check? That one has bugged me for some time, and this seemed like the perfect time to come clean...
-
It's pronounced Stroz-eck. But that doesn't really give the right sound. I guess there's supposed to be some symbols in there explaining the exact right way to make the z-sound a bit more csz-y. It's polish anyway.
-
For those who haven't seen this movie I suggest you go and seek it out immediately. Kinski puts on an unrivalled performance. Cinema at it's finest. Always good to see Herzog back.
-
Apr 11, 2005 5:06:08 AM CDT
All Hail Herzog. Required viewing: Aguirre: Wrath of God and
by sithlord_999
Klaus Kinski is fantastic in pretty much all his collaborations with Herzog, but Aguirre and Nosferatu are masterpieces, in acting, cinematography, score, and directing.
All Hail Herzog.
All Hail Kinski.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 439 total posts 165 posts
- WTF HOLLYWOOD: SOLARBABIES -- 144 total posts 142 posts
- Herc’s Seen Tonight’s Return Of THE WALKING DEAD!! Discuss Also DOWNTON ABBEY, FEAR FACTOR, PAN AM, ONCE, SIMPSONS, DYNAMITE, LUCK, SHAMELESS, BAIT CAR, THE GRAMMYS And More!! Sunday Is Sweeps Day 11!! -- 153 total posts 138 posts
- Avid Comic Reader Hercules Does Battle With Tedium During Kevin Smith’s COMIC BOOK MEN! -- 55 total posts 47 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 196 total posts 45 posts
- If the Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day drops her pen, pick it up, but don’t look at her legs or else it will be on your record. -- 60 total posts 36 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 127 total posts 36 posts
- I am The Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day! No, I’m the Behind the Scenes Pic of the Day! -- 35 total posts 35 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 513 total posts 29 posts
- The Sensorties Revisit The Friday Docback (And Still Smell)!! DOCTOR WHO Story #7 Again, The Coming Of Season/Series 7, And More!! -- 117 total posts 26 posts