Fitzcarraldo

Rating:
Summary: Tremendous and Monumental
Review: I can safely say I have rarely seen anything approaching Werner Herzog's 1982 masterpiece "Fitzcarraldo." This opulent cinematic oeuvre about an obsessive man with a dream to build an opera house in the wilds of Peru often challenges modern American conceptions of filmmaking, namely MTV style editing and grating special effects. Clocking in at an expansive 2 1/2 hours, "Fitzcarraldo" requires patience and an appreciation for imaginative subtlety on the part of the viewer. The film certainly required patience on the part of Herzog and the cast: the movie took three years to make, and the original leads dropped out of the project (Jason Robards was one of them, who might have made an effective Fitzcarraldo when one thinks about it). One imagines hauling an enormous boat over a mountain in the Amazon had much to do with this long filming schedule. But why not use a real boat? A movie about obsession ought to indulge in it behind the scenes as well. "Fitzcarraldo" is an epic film about an epic idea. I cannot imagine any American director pulling this off even half as well.

Klaus Kinski plays Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, called Fitzcarraldo by the natives in his home base of Iquitos, Peru. Fitzcarraldo is one of those archetype figures present wherever big money rears its head, the eternal dreamer who cannot quite pull of an idea. In this case, the locale is the rich rubber producing regions in Peru and Brazil in the early part of the twentieth century. When Enrico Caruso performs in Manaus, yet another grand plan strikes Fitzcarraldo's fancy. He will build an opera house in Iquitos and have the famous Caruso perform on opening night. There is only one problem with this scheme: he isn't rich and must rely on wealthy rubber barons to foot the bill, which they are unwilling to do. A small scheme to produce ice for the local people goes nowhere, so Fitzcarraldo must secure other means to realize his dream. The answer, and for our hero there is always an answer somewhere, comes when he discovers an area of untapped rubber reserves along a river that just happens to house a tribe of dangerous Indians with a penchant for attacking outsiders. Fitzcarraldo borrows money from his girlfriend (played by the charming and beautiful Claudia Cardinale) and buys a boat from a rubber baron in order to launch an excursion. The fact that this boat must be hauled over a mountain in order to bypass a dangerous set of rapids means nothing to Fitzcarraldo. The opera house will exist no matter what the cost.

I think that gives you a good introduction to the film, and I don't really want to give away much about the river trip, the monumental task of moving the ship over the mountain, and the subsequent results of these adventures. I will say the conclusion of the film had me misty eyed with a dopey grin on my face, as Fitzcarraldo triumphs (but not in the way you might think) and therefore wins for all of those hopefuls whose dreams seem impossible. This movie is really quite affecting, with an ending I never saw coming in a million years. It is beautiful, as is the entire film. If you are in no way moved body and soul by "Fitzcarraldo," you have probably watched to many trite American films and sitcoms.

Every scene is pure eye candy. The lush atmosphere of the Amazon River basin provides the perfect backdrop for Fitzcarraldo's rambling quest. Herzog managed to hire two warring tribes of headhunters to serve as extras for the film, and these natives add an authenticity to the film in many ways. I loved the wildly expressive contortions of Kinski's hair, his coif often reflecting the inner emotions of this driven figure. Further scenes of note involve Fitzcarraldo sailing down the river blasting Enrico Caruso from a record player while he scans the riverbank with maniacal fervor, Caruso again blaring from the deck of the ship as it grinds up the side of the mountain, and Kinski banging a bell in church belfry while roaring about his opera house. I could list dozens of equally effective scenes. Herzog often lets his camera simply rest on the scenery or characters for minutes at a time, a form of cinematography that takes some getting used to in this day of fast edits and ten second commercials. I should make special mention of the soundtrack by Popol Vuh, a musical group Herzog used in several other films. Their talents lend incredible depth to "Fitzcarraldo" through vistas of sweeping arrangements that wonderfully match the expansive backdrop of the Amazon rain forests. All of these elements come together to make Herzog's film a majestic experience.

The DVD includes a trailer for the movie, text background on Klaus Kinski and Werner Herzog, and a commentary by Herzog and producer Lucki Stipetic (who is apparently Werner's brother). While these extras seem rather thin for a classic of this magnitude you don't want a bunch of lesser trailers for other films, although the addition of some trailers from other Herzog films might have been nice.

"Fitzcarraldo" definitely inspires me to watch other Herzog films. Even if his other projects are only half as good as this one, they will be well worth the effort. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the nihilistic mind frame so common in today's films without realizing there are truly beautiful and inspiring works of art sitting on the shelf at the local video store. "Fitzcarraldo" is an affirmation of the beauty of running after a dream no matter what the cost.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I caught this on British television about 5 years ago, it also incuded a documentary on German director Werner Hertzog, and this being one of his creations, played Fitzcarraldo after the programme.

To be quite honest, having seen how he directs, he would even make James Cameron wince at the demands he makes of his cast and crew. Poor Klaus Kinski nearly lost it during production, and watching the film it's not difficult to see why. The concept, pulling a boat up a hillside and taking it to a river on the other side is frankly bizarre. Bear in mind we're not dealing with a canoe or inflatable boat here either, noooooo that would be TOO easy, try thinking more along the lines of a mississippi style paddle steamer.

The actual film is staggering in it's power to make you ask 'what the hell is going on!' but for some reason is strangely compelling.

Let's face it we've all seen the film about the boat hitting the iceberg (hint..Titanic) but pulling one over a mountaintop (no models or cg helping out here effects fans) is frankly a bit disturbing.

So, is it worth it? well I guess it's definitely maked under the category of 'different' but it shouldn't be classed really...it sort of defies classification! give it a try...you'll probably be just as exhausted after watching it as the 100 odd natives were when they lugged the boat to the top of that hill.

Rating:
Summary: Funny trivia about the film
Review: I just had a brief comment about this film, which is more a piece of amusing trivia about the making of the film for those movie trivia buffs out there. But it's worth mentioning just by itself. There's a scene in the movie where you can see the Amazonian Indians standing in back of Kinski, looking angrily his way. Kinski was famous, or infamous, perhaps, for his bad temper, and he'd lost it more than once working with the Indians and had harangued them several times. So It's hilarious to know that only the day before they had gone to director Werner Herzog to ask his permission to kill Kinski. Apparently Kinski got the Indians so [angry] that they wanted to do something about it. Well, I guess Herzog didn't give them permission, since Kinksi managed to at least stay alive long enough to finish the movie. Anyway, as I said, just a funny piece of trivia that I thought I'd mention for the movie trivia buffs (like me) out there.

Rating:
Summary: A Well Done Movie.
Review: I wasn't disappointed after finally being able to watch this amazing and intriguing film. Werner Herzog did an extraordinary job in making Fitzcarraldo. Klaus Kinski is top-notch in his role as the man that wants to bring opera to Iquitos. The cinematography is also very good. There was a tremendous amount of work put into making this movie and Werner Herzog deserves admiration. An added bonus to owning the DVD is the director's commentary which is very insightful and interesting. Fitzcarraldo is very original and is recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Caruso shall be heard in the jungle
Review: If any film made by sheer force of willpower is brought to mind then Herzog's "FitzCarraldo" must surely come first. Set in large part quiet deep in the Amazonian jungle it proved to be both a physical and mental trying time for most involved. The story revolves around a man, one Brian Sweeny Fitzgerald ("Fitzcarraldo" to the locals), who is determined to build an opera house in heart of the jungle and have the great Enrico Caruso perform in it. To finance this project he comes up with an absurd plan to drag a steamship over a mountain to reach a river on the far side which will provide access to a plentiful supply of rubber trees, the only source of finance in the region is rubber since no synthetic alternative was available at the time.

The storyline thus requires Herzog to bring a steamship over a mountain and so proceeds to do this for real. There is no trickery involved and the mammoth task is performed before ours eyes with the help of native Indians from the region. Herzog recieved severe critisism from the both German and International press for his apparent expliotation of the indigenous culture.

This DVD however provides a "Directors commentary" feature with Herzog and producer Stipetic which tells their side of the story about the whole filming. Besides the film the DVD commentary is a real insight into the thoughts and inspiration which made Herzog pursue this very technically challenging film. Credit must also go to Stipetic who managed to keep the logistics together in a unfriendly environment and Thomas Mauch for his excellent photography.

Originally the fim was to star Jason Robarts and Mike Jagger believe it or not, however sickness on Robarts part and limited shooting time by Jagger meant their bowing out of the project. Herzog was prepared to play Fitzcarraldo if nobody to his satisfaction could be sought. He turned to his former lead role Klaus Kinski (Aguire Wrath Of God), though difficult and extremely tempermental Kinski gave an excellent performence.

Wth regard to this DVD watch and enjoy, it is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic and has a remastered 5.1(+Dolby Surround)soundtrack. The audio commemtary is the big bonus which features mostly Herzog who is a fluent english speaker and delivers it in a calm and coherent manner which is beguiling considering the actual scenes you are watching during it. A highly recommended purchase.

Rating:
Summary: The supreme madness!
Review: In the middle of the Amazonas Klaus Kinski pretends to build an Opera House bringing to Enrico Caruso .
Provocative , intriguing , surrealist , irreverent and haunting film . Think just in this innovative idea . The magic realism will load the screen with arresting and awful images when you really discover the B plan of this special man .
Cannes 1982 as Best director and one of the supreme jewels of this clever german director .
Even I consider Aguirre the wrath of God his immortal masterpiece , I recognize this is a masterful work .
Watch it ; you will be astonished for a long long time .

Rating:
Summary: Caruso on the Amazon!
Review: It seems almost ridiculous to add yet another praise-filled review to the heaps already expressed here, but such a consummate piece of art like, 'Fitzcarraldo,' deserves the most it can get. Since others have brilliantly summarized the plot, I'll concentrate instead on why one should 'treasure' the three perfect hours of this film.

Rare is the film nowadays that says so much with so little. Dialogue is used very sparingly throughout Fitzcarraldo, but that's all the better, for Kinski's Fitzcarraldo doesn't need words to express his dream. Every close-up of that intense face tells more than two hours of annoying chatter ever could. With his sharp features, searing gaze and untamed mane, Kinski is indeed Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald. A man possessed by his dream, by his mission to bring one of the most delectable of human creations, opera, to the 'wilds.' I agree most wholeheartedly with that reviewer who mentionned the role of Kinski's hair. It indeed has a life of its own and it mesmerizes the viewer. Like the antennae of Fitz's spirit, it stiffens in determination to see his passion come to bear, and then flys off his head, when the dream is realized. Every single second of this masterpiece is artfully necessary. Every stony gaze from the Indians, every sweeping shot of the misty jungle fits perfectly into place, creating a mosaic of colossal proportions. The scenes of the boat being painfully nudged over the hill mirror the struggle of creation itself. Or my favorite: when the Indians board the boat and meet Fitz for the first time. Herzog closes-up on how the chief gently touches, then rubs Fitz's palm. Two minutes that cast us into eternity. What could it mean? A symbol of our underlying brotherhood, a first 'clash' between 'the civilized' and 'the wild?' I don't even pretend to know, nor do I particularly care, for the soothing, almost sensual warmth of the scene brings that inner peace that all great art should.

Ponderous? Deliberate? Yes and rightly so. Good things, great things, whether they be an exquisite meal, passionate lovemaking or the creation of a masterpiece, take their own time, irregardless of the frantic chaos that surrounds them. Fitzcarraldo is one such 'time-less' experience. Dive in and revel in its every breathtaking second!

Not only does this film enrichen our senses, it strengthens our hearts. Fitz instructs us on we should pursue our dreams. With relentless faith. Believe and yes, we can move mountains! And move our weighty burdens over them as well. Yes, they are painstaking and for every inch gained, we lose two more. Yes, there are casualties. For ourselves and for others. And yes, nobody believes you can really pull it off, but in the end, you shall have your vindication as did Fitz. Caruso on the Amazon? Watch and believe!

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Films Ever...I Was Stunned
Review: It shocks me that I had never even HEARD of "Fitzcarraldo" a week ago (nor did I know who Werner Herzog was), and now that I've seen it I consider it to be one of the 10 best films I've ever seen in my life, right up there with "Vertigo," "Once Upon A Time In The West," and "Rashomon."

The pacing of this film is slow, languid, and dreamlike, and allows the viewer to really immerse him/herself in the brooding jungle atmosphere. I never realized how contrived most American movies felt, until I experienced the stark reality of Werner Herzog's documentary-like style. "Fitzcarraldo" blurs the line between reality and drama, utilizing actual natives in conjunction with his character-actors (including the brilliant and intense Klaus Kinski), who subject themselves to real hardships in order to lend the film legitimacy. The result feels like a cross between a surreal daydream and something out of National Geographic.

The transfer to DVD is virtually perfect. I was awestruck at the quality of the video and audio on this disc. The picture is gorgeous, in sweeping, flawless widescreen, and the sound is bright and alive. There are few extras on this disc, but the film itself was so satisfying that I didn't care.

I highly recommend the boxed set entitled "The Herzog/Kinski Collection," as it contains excellent DVD versions of all 5 of their collaborations, as well as Herzog's tribute to Kinski entitled "My Best Fiend," a fascinating portrait of their bizarre, yet intensely creative, working relationship. It will add to your appreciation of "Fitzcarraldo" and all of their films.

Rating:
Summary: A Grand Tale
Review: Kinski, obsessed with a dream, pursues it to a hair's breadth of reality, loses it all, yet comes out of it intact. Set in the South American Jungle, it is so much like our hopes of improving the lot of those we consider less fortunate, but played out in a grander style, yet not in the formula Hollywood style.

I found the movie to be a strong parallel to Mosquito Coast, but I'd chose Fitzcarraldo for sheer brilliance and clues for my own salvation.

That which does not kill you, improves you......

Rating:
Summary: The Will to Power
Review: The combination of Herzog and Kinski is a taste to be aquired by most, with the exception of those few, -who unabated- recognize genius and bold experimentation. WERNER HERZOG SETS PRECIDENTS IN FILMAKING. Guided by a visionary instinct, intuition and the keen sense in providing Klaus Kinski with the best cathartic circumstances to express his beatiful/terrible -ineffable worlds of mania- for all of us to vicariously savor.