Quote from: Ferris on July 13, 2022, 12:51:33 PMThere's no getting away from the fact he cumulatively spent years of his life getting bitten by mosquitos and shitting in a hole in the middle of nowhere

I didn't know he came from Croydon.

Watched the film again this morning, really enjoyed some of the framing on the interviewees. Some get steady cam, some are done on handheld, some get weird zooms/pans and reframes mid-interview.

Stuff like the bush pilot must have been somewhat scripted because they film him landing before the main interview - well how did they get down there in the first place? Etc.

It's good stuff.

Quote from: Ferris on July 13, 2022, 05:05:27 PMPerhaps he made a replacement out of twigs and grass; sadly now we will never know.

It was experimenting with putting a bear cub on his head to cover baldness that led to his demise.

After following this thread I thought I'd watch this again; it's as enjoyable as I remember it but I was definitely more aware of the oddness this time.

While I don't doubt the veracity of the subject, some of it certainly seemed scripted (such as Treadwell's actor friend who appeared to be reading lines from a bad mockumentary).

Also, the terrifyingly intense coroner was both a delight and nightmare.  In one of his last scenes, I loved the way he shifted uncomfortably and didn't quite know what to do with his hands when the camera lingered on him for just a bit toooo long.     

The lingering camera is a Herzog technique to bring out odd/true moments. Uses it a lot.

The coroner felt like more of a "PBS documentary" style interview, like he was off to one side with a faux-corpse (?) as the centrepiece of the shot.

Almost like he was lecturing/explaining that section, and he was straight to camera as well which added to slightly surreal nature of it, like he was presenting rather than having a conversation.

Watching Into the Abyss now, grim shit. Nearly put me off my bacon sarnie.

Quote from: Ferris on July 15, 2022, 03:29:22 PMWatching Into the Abyss now, grim shit. Nearly put me off my bacon sarnie.

Rented this on Wednesday after being inspired by this thread. Realised I'd already bloody seen it! Most likely last year after I watched Grizzly Man and wanted more Herzog.

Abyss is good but I enjoyed Grizzly Man much more.

If you liked Into the Abyss you'll want to check out his TV series On Death Row which is basically exactly the same.

(But each episode is about a different prisoner On Death Row (geddit?!)!!!)

Good film, that. Enjoyed it, and some fascinating interviews.

Doubtless inspired by this thread, the Next Picture Show podcast has dedicated this week's show to a discussion of Grizzly Man.

https://megaphone.link/FILM1092660723

Is it reasonable to turn this thread into a Herzog-general thread?

I was so busy at work I watched two Herzog films and I'd like to talk about them (I think) but am too lazy to start a new thread.

Quote from: Ferris on July 15, 2022, 06:14:41 PMGood film, that. Enjoyed it, and some fascinating interviews.

I think the Blaine Milam episode of On Death Row is the best one, although due to the nature of the crime he's in there for it's an extremely heavy-going watch.

But I think if you're watching a thingy about death row you need it to be as bleak and horrible as possible or else you may as well go home.

Actually the Robert Fratta one is good too.

And Douglas Feldman.

They're all worth a watch, really.

I think the grimness of them puts me off a bit, I've always been a bit pathetic around grief and family mortality (and doubly since spawning a sprog) but mindless killing of people sets my teeth on edge a bit.

I thought it was interesting as a one-off (though I struggled to watch bits of it), and I don't know I'd seek out similar again.

Also got through the volcano one which I liked, but it felt far less focused and centred on some posho Gaiman/Brian cox type. Stop focusing on "presenting", mate - it's Ethiopia; put on a hat and sunglasses like everyone else.

...Also why are we doing archaeology in the middle of a volcano film? And who's this eccentric American? Etc.

I'm very disappointed in you. Again.

"Hi it's me, @imitationleather, can't wait to watch this film about archaeology in east Africa. Oh there's an hour long section about volcanoes in far flung corners of the world, I think this is entirely fine and in line with my expectations because I'm a simpleton."

Now, I'm quoting you directly there but can you see how other (more sensible) people might think that's a bit unfocused?

I remember saying that and I stand by it.

I think that speaks volumes.

I've edited out all the stuff about Gadaffi and adenochrome farms to spare your blushes.

In an effort to change the tone, may I just say that Mr Chocolate is a big bear.

Rowdy, tabitha, mr chocolate.

All shit names, no wonder they ate him tbh.

.

I think if you're up for something like Grizzly Man but not Grizzly Man then maybe an Errol Morris or a Mark Lewis film might be the ticket. Thin Blue Line or Cane Toads: The Revenge. Herzog produces the latter iirc.

Gates of Heaven by Errol Morris is an amazing film, and has the same sensibility as Herzog for its interviews (basically, leaving them to ramble until the absurdities come). Vernon, Florida is also great

Thanks for the recommendation! Will give it a shot when I find time.

Some more '90s grizzly bear eccentric bloke madness I came across recently - Project Grizzly about some nutter who makes a suit of armour then spends years putting it on and having people wallop him with cricket bats before going out to find some bears.

Free to watch, too:

https://www.nfb.ca/film/project_grizzly/

Project Grizzly is mint and the NFB website is a goldmine.

Just watched this today.  It was pretty good, but I found Timothy incredibly annoying throughout.  Delusional narcissist I think, but mainly just a bit of a wally, really.

I also really dislike Werner's staged interviews.  I don't have an ethical objection in terms of the lack of authenticity, and I get where Herzog is coming from in terms of using the same approach to documentaries as fictional films.  Problem is that these people ain't actors, and and it just totally takes me out of it.  You can practically hear Herzog's voice when they awkwardly deliver the more egregiously bollix lines.

I think it takes away from the movie, and I felt the same with the butterfly bit in wings of hope.

Imagine if Timbo had been doing this in the current day. He could have livestreamed his devourment on the internet for our viewing pleasure.