5 Totally Insane Incidents Involving Werner Herzog

4. Herzog Shoots Heart Of Glass With Hypnotized Actors

Heartsausglas In Heart of Glass, Herzog wanted to capture collective madness. He achieved this through hypnotising the entire cast (barring one comparatively sane character). They remain hypnotised throughout, creating one of the most bizarre viewing experiences ever committed to film. Their eyes remain fixed like statues. Delivery of lines is robotic and detached - otherworldly, even. Gestures and mannerisms happen spontaneously away from the script. For acting directions, Herzog would say things such as giants surrounded them and when they opened their eyes they would see them. The actors became so frightened that they would noticeably shiver. Of course, he made sure to assure them that this immeasurable fear would have no effect on their ability to deliver their lines. So that was kind.
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