Aguirre, The Wrath of God

[Strengthandhonour]

who has seen it?what are your thoughts?

[Marcus Marulus]

No, I just read the novel written by Miguel Otero Silva many years ago.

(Lope de Aguirre, The Prince of Freedom)

[Strengthandhonour]

I am not sure how they compared but I really enjoyed the movie.
It has this really melancholic and awful atmosphere. Brilliant soundtrack as well.

[Marcus Marulus]

In fact, I didn't even know of the movie. Is it something brand new?

[Strengthandhonour]

No. it actually came out in the 70's.
It's a German film. It was directed by German legend Werner Herzog.

[Erik P]

Werner Herzog is one of my favourite directors. Mainly his documentaries (Grizzly Man, White Diamond, Woodcarver Steiner...), but Aguirre is also very good, but it was a while ago I saw it. I remember Klaus Kinski's awesome performance though.

I haven't read the book. Should I?

[Marcus Marulus]

Originally Posted by Erik Puke

Werner Herzog is one of my favourite directors. Mainly his documentaries (Grizzly Man, White Diamond, Woodcarver Steiner...), but Aguirre is also very good, but it was a while ago I saw it. I remember Klaus Kinski's awesome performance though.

I haven't read the book. Should I?

The novel hasn't some special literary value, but I would recommend it for reading if you are especially interested in the subject. Lope de Aguirre was a rebel against the Spanish monarchy in the second half of the 16th century, in what's today, roughly, Venezuela. The leaders of the insurrections of the beginning of the 19th century, which led to the independence of the South American countries from Spain, like Simón Bolivar, exalted him as their alleged predecessor. Miguel Otero Silva was one of the prominent Venezuela's marxists, and his historical novel is permeated with a somehow Marxist interpretation of the theme.

[3rdEye]

I have seen the movie, in a cinema even, ten years ago. I also remember that I liked the soundtrack and the mood, but I don't remember the plot. Unfortunately. I also remember that it was quite downtempo.

[kyashan]

great style, atmosphere and stuff but way to slow.
I liked "Seven Samurai" by Kurosawa whose running time was over three hours and rather slow as well, while Aguirre is more abstract.

[Salford]

I've seen Aguirre, and while I enjoyed its nightmarish qualities, I'm always left a little ill at ease after watching Klaus Kinski in any film. That man was downright frightening!

[Strengthandhonour]

I think he shows some of humanity's best and worst qualities. I agree with the ill comment though.

[Carnyx]

I was bewitched years ago by the feeling of melancholia attached to it. Penetrating soundtrack by Popol Vuh (some German band that also did good on W.Herzog's Nosferatu) that goes along perfectly well with the atmosphere. Truly epic theme. And actor sicko Kinski, even if looking really exotic, has such a haunting presence that you let yourself go and forget his striking "un-Spanish" looks. Also notice two nice female actress. A must see film.

[MEDIA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u7vzaqITMA[/MEDIA]

[Menydh]

Quite a character!

Letter from Lope de Aguirre, rebel, to King Philip of Spain, 1561