A Filmmaker Who Chooses Real Conversations
When filmmaker Werner Herzog was asked if he’d ever considered turning his cellphone off, he had a surprising response: “I don’t have a cellphone. I don’t need to turn anything off. I simply want to live and have a real conversation with a real person.”
And that’s exactly what he got—an authentic conversation with Herzog himself at his home in the Hollywood Hills.
A Legacy of Visionary Filmmaking
Herzog, renowned for his vision and unconventional storytelling, has spent decades shaping the landscape of cinema. With over 20 feature films and 30 documentaries under his belt, his works have taken audiences on incredible journeys—from the depths of the Amazon to the frozen wilderness of the Arctic. This legacy has been captured in his memoir, Every Man for Himself and God Against All (Penguin Press), a title that reflects Herzog’s unique approach to life and filmmaking.
Herzog explained the importance of a title: “It has to grab you. When you pass by a shelf of books and see a title like this, you stop and think, ‘What is this?’”
The memoir offers an intensely personal and gripping account of his extraordinary experiences. “I feel like I’ve lived ten lifetimes,” Herzog shared. “That’s the beauty of this book. It’s so condensed, you won’t be bored reading it.”
From Munich to the Jungle: Herzog’s Early Years
Herzog’s journey began in Munich, Germany, during World War II. He started making films as a teenager, drawn to characters with seemingly impossible dreams. His 1982 film Fitzcarraldo exemplified this, telling the story of a man obsessed with building an opera house in the Amazon jungle. To do so, the character must pull a steamship over a mountain—an idea Herzog brought to life with relentless determination.
The Making of Fitzcarraldo: A Cinematic Miracle
Herzog recounts a pivotal moment during the film’s production: “20th Century Fox wanted a simple jungle set, with a model ship. But I insisted, ‘It has to be real—a real jungle, a real river, everything real.’” Despite lacking CGI, Herzog made the bold decision to transport a real 320-ton riverboat over a mountain in the Peruvian jungle.
When asked if there were ever moments on set when his crew doubted him, Herzog didn’t hesitate: “Yes, there were moments when it seemed impossible. But my inner fire and vision kept us going. Even though many didn’t believe we could move that ship, my passion carried everyone forward.”
The Road to Fitzcarraldo’s Success
The film’s final product proved the crew wrong, and Fitzcarraldo became a masterpiece. Herzog won the Best Director award at Cannes, though the film’s production was far from smooth. Original lead actor Jason Robards fell ill, and with him went Mick Jagger, who had been cast as his assistant. Herzog hired Klaus Kinski to replace Robards, saving the film from disaster.
“I was prepared to act in the lead role myself if Kinski couldn’t do it,” Herzog admitted. “Moving the ship was no longer about cinema—it was my personal task, my mission. But I’m thankful I didn’t have to act. Kinski was perfect for the role.”
Herzog the Actor: A Villain with Style
Herzog’s talents extend beyond directing. He’s also found success as an actor, playing memorable roles in Jack Reacher and The Mandalorian. “I was drawn into acting, but I enjoy it,” Herzog said. “I know I’m good at it, but only in specific roles. When I perform, it’s always a conscious act, but I deliver with conviction.”
A Love Story Like No Other
Yet, Herzog’s most compelling performance might be the one he’s lived himself—his love story. In the late ‘90s, he fell in love with photographer Elena Pisetski, whom he followed to the U.S. by selling everything he owned. “I had nothing to offer but myself,” Herzog shared. “I wasn’t in Los Angeles for Hollywood. I was here because I was in love.”
Herzog and Pisetski have been together for 28 years now. “I’m a very lucky man,” he said, reflecting on his third marriage.
Still Going Strong: Herzog’s Future in Filmmaking
With 63 years of filmmaking under his belt, Herzog shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m working on two feature films right now,” he revealed. “You’re not burned out?” he was asked. To which Herzog replied with a smile, “Who knows? But in the end, you’ll have to carry me out of a set feet first. That’s how I hope it happens.”
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My Name is M Anas. I am a passionate blogger with a knack for sharing insights on technology, autos, Mobile Phone, etc. With a creative flair and a commitment to delivering engaging content, Anas aims to inspire and inform readers with unique perspectives and well-researched articles.
