Completely Fascinating

I saw this film not too long ago, and was enthralled from frame one, until the end, which is the most emotionally satisfying ending ever put on film. Kinski is at his best playing a madman, but this time around, his madness is aroused through hope and inspiration rather than evil and greed. That scene where he tries to get people to invest and plays Caruso...brilliant! You can see the passion in his expression, and it makes the scene that much more unbearable when everyone turns him down.

If there was ever a film to make someone drop what they are doing and pursue their dreams, this is the one. The sad thing about this film is that it will probably be recognized and fully acclaimed long after those involved in its production are dead and gone. Like "Moby-Dick." Big failure during Melville's time. He dies, then thirty years later, the literary world declares it to be one of the best novels ever written. The same will be said for "Fitzcarraldo."

Just got finished watching "Burden of Dreams," the great documentary about Herzog and the making of this masterpiece. While I enjoyed the film, I must admit that people seem to get the wrong impression about Herzog himself. They call him "megalomaniacal" and "audacious," but I never found him to be overbearing or egomaniacal. He's simply a brilliant director coping with production failures and unforeseen bad luck. But he perservered, and the parellels between the film and Herzog's attempt to make the film are uncanny. Herzog forgoes special or visual effects not merely for authenticity, but to capture the dreams of Fitzcarraldo himself. I think if Herzog copped out with miniatures and blue-screens, he would not be doing the film justice.

I had the pleasure of watching the film again last night, and I immediately wanted to jump out of my seat and do everything I always wanted to do, but never did because I "need more money" or "didn't have the time." The film makes you want to say *beep* that" and just pursue it.