Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski. Now theres two names more linked to division and violence than inspiration and dreams. In fact, even during the filming of this torturous epic, Herzog pulled a gun on Kinski when he threatened to quit before the local natives offered to kill him themselves because of his madness.
It obviously comes as no surprise to find that Herzog stayed with that other jungle maniac, Francis Ford Coppola before shooting in the Peruvian rain-forests. Inspired by the true story of Peruvian rubber baron Carlos Fermin Fitzcarrald, the film centres on Herzogs Brian Sweeney Fitzcarrldo Fitzgerald, a passionate man who wants to bring culture and opera to the Peruvian natives. To do this, he needs money, so sets off on an old steamer to claim one of the last areas of rainforest available to him.
Unfortunately, to reach this area, his 320-ton steamer will have to be dragged over a 40 degree hill from one river to the next. When his crew discovers his plan, most of them leave but the natives, impressed by the plan, help him drag the ship over the mountain. Finally, after failing in his plans, Fitzcarraldo returns to the natives with whole cast of the Iquitos Opera House and the internationally renowned tenor, Enrico Caruso, to bring the language of opera directly to them.
This is a crazy film based on one mans huge passions and desire. Fitzcarraldo is a man who dreams and tries to achieve the impossible. Tie this in with the actual story of filming (captured brilliantly in Les Blanks BAFTA winning documentary Burden Of Dreams) and one can immediately see the links between Fitzcarraldos dreams and Herzogs. This film is all about pursuing the impossible but also the power of art. It is truly a brilliant, haunting piece and, as Brian smiles and doffs his hat towards the end, one that will stay with you forever.
