Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer
A journey through the world of Werner Herzog, comprising interviews with actors and directors, Herzog’s family and the legendary filmmaker himself. Unique behind-the-scenes access and anecdotes paint a picture of a radical dreamer and visionary.
Festival IDFA
Run time 103 minutes
Genre film
Taal German and English, English surtitles
Dutch premiere
Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer
“Nothing is typical for Werner, only the atypical is typical for him.” This is just one of many attempts to characterize Werner Herzog. Documentary filmmaker Thomas von Steinaecker spoke to actors, directors, directors of photography and producers who have worked with Herzog over his long career—including directors Chloé Zhao, Joshua Oppenheimer and Wim Wenders, singer Patti Smith and actors Nicole Kidman, Christian Bale and Robert Pattinson.We also hear from Herzog himself, with extraordinary anecdotes about film locations and shoots, his admiration for Lotte Eisner, and his eternal search for beauty.
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Herzog’s wife Lena, his brother and his ex-wife provide the inside stories. The interviews are carefully punctuated by archive footage of Herzog never seen before, iconic excerpts from his feature films and documentaries, and his cameos in cartoon series such as The Simpsons. Together they create a kaleidoscopic image of a radical visionary and dreamer, and of his very own “Werner World.”
Credits
Director Thomas von Steinaecker
Production Wavelength Productions, Spring Films, 3B-Produktion GmbH, Hot Docs
Executive producer Jenifer Westphal for Wavelength Productions, Joe Plummer for Wavelength Productions, Figs Jackman for Spring Films, Chris Smith for Spring Films, Vijay Vaidyanathan
Cinematography Henning Brümmer
Editing Volker Schaner
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Sound Design Jörn Steinhoff
Music Philip Stegers
Involved TV Channel ZDF/ARTE
World Sales Range Media Partners, CAA
Screening copy Range Media Partners
ABOUT IDFA
IDFA stands for the power of creative documentary. Documentaries that can connect, inspire and excite. Documentaries that expand the view of ourselves, the environment and the world around us. During this edition of the festival, ITA hosts daily screenings of documentaries and special performances.
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