Conquest of the useless : reflections from the making of Fitzcarraldo

“Hypnotic….It is ever tempting to try to fathom his restless spirit and his determination to challenge fate.” —Janet Maslin, New York Times Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man) is one of the most revered and enigmatic filmmakers of our time, and Fitzcarraldo is one of his most honored and admired films. More than just Herzog’s journal of the making of the monumental, problematical motion picture, which involved, among other things, major cast changes and reshoots, and the hauling (without the use of special effects) of a 360-ton steamship over a mountain , Conquest of the Useless is a work of art unto itself, an Amazonian fever dream that emerged from the delirium of the jungle. With fascinating observations about crew and players—including Herzog’s lead, the somewhat demented internationally renowned star Klaus Kinski—and breathtaking insights into the filmmaking process that are uniquely Werner Herzog, Conquest of the Useless is an eye-opening look into the mind of a cinematic master. One Of The Most Revered Filmmakers Of Our Time, Werner Herzog Wrote This Diary During The Making Of Fitzcarraldo, The Lavish 1982 Film That Tells The Story Of A Would-be Rubber Baron Who Pulls A Steamship Over A Hill In The Amazon Jungle In Order To Access A Rich Rubber Territory. Later, Herzog Spoke Of His Difficulties When Making The Film, Including Casting Problems, Reshoots, Language Barriers, Epic Clashes With The Star, And The Logistics Of Moving A 320-ton Steamship Over A Hill Without The Use Of Special Effects. Hailed By Critics Around The Globe, The Film Went On To Win Herzog The 1982 Outstanding Director Prize At Cannes. Herzog's Diary Is A Glimpse Into The Mind Of A Genius During The Making Of One Of His Greatest Achievements.--from Publisher Description. Werner Herzog ; Translated From The German By Krishna Winston. Originally Published In Germany As Der Eroberung Des Nutzlosen By Carl Hanser Verlag In 2004--t.p. Verso. Werner Herzog ( Grizzly Man ) is one of the most revered and enigmatic filmmakers of our time, and Fitzcarraldo is one of his most honored and admired films. More than justHerzogs journal of the making of the monumental, problematical motion picture, which involved, among other things, major cast changes and reshoots, and the hauling (without the use of special effects) of a 360-ton steamship over a mountain, Conquest of the Useless is a work of art unto itself, an Amazonian fever dream that emergedfrom the delirium of the jungle. With fascinating observations about crew and cast - including Herzogs lead, the somewhat demented internationally renowned star Klaus Kinski - and breathtaking insights into the filmmaking process that are uniquely Werner Herzog, Conquest of the Useless is an eye-opening look into the mind of a cinematic master. °°° Werner Herzog was born in Munich on September 5, 1942. He made his first film in 1961 at the age of 19. Since then he has produced, written, & directed more than 60 feature & documentary films, including Aguirre, Nosferatu, Fitzcarraldo, Little Dieter Needs to Fly, My Best Fiend, Grizzly Man, Encounters at the End of the World, & Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Herzog has published more than a dozen books of poetry & prose, most recently The Twilight World, & directed as many operas. He has appeared as an actor in Jack Reacher, The Mandalorian, & The Simpsons, & exhibited an art installation, Hearsay of the Soul, at the 2012 Whitney Biennale & the Getty Museum. He also founded his own Rogue Film School as a counterpoint to what is taught in most film schools around the world. One of the most revered filmmakers of our time, Werner Herzog wrote this diary during the making of Fitzcarraldo, the lavish 1982 film that tells the story of a would-be rubber baron who pulls a steamship over a hill in the Amazon jungle in order to access a rich rubber territory. Later, Herzog spoke of his difficulties when making the film, including casting problems, reshoots, language barriers, epic clashes with the star, and the logistics of moving a 320-ton steamship over a hill without the use of special effects. Hailed by critics around the globe, the film went on to win Herzog the 1982 Outstanding Director Prize at Cannes. Herzog's diary is a glimpse into the mind of a genius during the making of one of his greatest achievements."--Jacket One of the most revered filmmakers of our time, Werner Herzog wrote this diary during the making of