Werner Herzog on Nicolas Cage, Testing His Own Stunts and His Memoir

Werner Herzog discusses the astonishing true stories from his memoir, Every Man for Himself and God Against All, writing a script in two-and-a-half days and the unique version of Hamlet he wants to write.
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Werner Herzog on Nicolas Cage, Testing His Own Stunts and His Memoir - Late Night with Seth Meyers
• Werner Herzog on Nicol...
Late Night with Seth Meyers
/ latenightseth

[@D-S-9]

This is a memoir that simultaneously needs to be experienced as an audiobook, and doesn’t actually need to be an audiobook because you’re gonna read it in his voice regardless.

[@jsully8076]

I already do that sometimes Just for kicks! I absolutely love this man's voice.

[@jrojala]

I think I’m going to start reading everything in his voice from now on

[@D-S-9]

@@jsully8076 absolutely. It's why I take so long with a book most of the time. Neil Gaiman and Stephen Fry make for excellent head narrators.

[@jo_tc]

I'm pleased to see he is reading the audio book, (released in UK next week) If he wasn't, we should campaign for Seth to do his Werner impression, I'm sure he's been finessing it to a whole new level during writer's strike! 🐺( is this the jackal emoji?)

[@1midnightfish]

Seth should narrate the audiobook in his Werner Herzog impression!

[@abbycross90210]

As incredible as listening to this legend always is, I can't help but imagine Seth is listening so intently in an effort to perfect his Werner impression.

[@stoverboo]

"Always Be Listening" is the first rule of Impression Camp.

[@susanp2437]

No doubt! 😂

[@Derfboy]

Also he'll be going back to the tape over and over.

[@icantollie]

facts

[@LindaC616]

He sounded more and more like Arnold here.

[@goatjames6244]

A true legend in the industry. Needed a longer interview…!

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

MUCH longer interview!

[@bardsamok9221]

Sounds like a job for Herzog.

[@bubblesezblonde]

Wow....the difference between Seth's guests / interviews and his competition is amazing!!!!

[@jevinday]

It's seems like he almost cracked the thing open and read some of it 😂

[@bochica3562]

I'm so happy that you guys appreciate Werner Herzog so much! ❤

[@sarahraisingmyvoice]

He is my husband’s idol and I now understand why. I could listen to him for hours.

[@Blodhelm]

Then both you and he have good taste.

[@TabethaAurochs]

Werner Herzog describing livestock auctioneers as purveyors of "the last poetry of capitalism" ❤ How fascinating it must be to experience the world as he does

[@mj_dj]

He speaks more about this in the short documentary "How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck"

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

It's funny how a gravelly german accent can be so calming and pleasant! I always enjoy his narration on documentaries.

[@undefined40]

Considering how proud Seth is on his Werner Herzog impression, this is a missed opportunity to test who does the better impression. ;)

[@schmoonkie]

One of my all time favorite directors. Some of his greatest films: Fitzcarraldo, Aquirre, the Wrath of God. And it's not just the films, but the story of making them.

[@Blodhelm]

I could listen to this man read every book ever printed, then narrate every film ever made, and still want more. His documentaries are of course great, but fans should check out the film he did with the Loch Ness monster. He plays himself MAKING a documentary and it is fantastic. His voice acting work is also perfection.

[@sheelacheong]

Guests have been fire since the show returned. I had to double check the date on this cos I thought it was an old interview. Glorious to watch and listen to WH, Seth is a great interviewer as always 💗

[@icantollie]

Werrner Herzog making Seth giggle gives me life 🥰 Also if the audiobook for this were read by Seth doing his best Werner Herzog impression I would buy the butt off that audiobook

[@fletchoid]

I would pay good money to have my GPS give me directions in Werner Herzog's voice.

[@DarylCooke]

Respect for the Legend

[@memento81]

I am usually not interested in biographical books but when its Werner Herzog it becomes a must read. Absolute legend and inspiration with a kind heart and deeply reflected outlook on the world and humanity. I wish we had a society that produces more humans like him.

[@CLYMA1.5CHAINZ]

Thanks for always inviting him ❤💪

[@christophermerlot3366]

I'll read this just to hear about his dealings with Klaus Kinski.

[@D.A.OhK.]

Just want to point out that this memoir's title is a translation of the German title of his fascinating 1974 film that is known here as "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser."

[@Querelle2008]

Yes that film gets often overlooked because other projects have these spectacular stories behind them. But Kasper Hauser is one of my favorites.

[@yasuke9317]

Let not forget Warner's brilliant performance on the classic animation 'The Boondocks'. A great man amongst men.

[@BillytheSchmidt]

What a legend! Interesting, full of stories and passion for his work and at the same time so humble and lovely.

[@JurgMudveins]

We need Seth interviewing Werner in his Werner voice, like a fool episode.

[@icantollie]

Also please someone make the sub-14-minute production of _Hamlet_ voiced by last year's winners of the Greater Midwest Livestock Auctioneer Championship a reality

[@juandesalgado]

"Carpe diem" doesn't even begin to describe the life of this guy. Thank you, master, for your pictures.

[@merlinthegray]

I would LOVE to see that production of Hamlet.

[@michaelbenedictbenedict5958]

This is why documenting your work is so important: you never know when the public's going to want that memoir.

[@alexcaloca6566]

He was so perfect in Mandalorian.❤

[@brittam.7654]

We saw him here in Munich just last week, at his own movie award. It was surreal in a way, but he is also just a normal guy. It‘s the power of the story that turns just another old man in a pub into a famous icon.

[@bennyshambles]

He’s so amazingly literal and deadpan. Of course Herzog is a legendary director, but his occasional acting roles are also fantastic. I especially love him in Harmony Korine’s Julien Donkey-Boy. “Quit you’re moody brooding!”

[@robdielemans9189]

"A winner doesn't shiver." great movie.

[@craigbrown2952]

Years ago I watched everything on the DVD of "INCIDENT AT LOCH NESS".....incredibly funny......a major league Werner experience.....watching all the extra DVD segments got funnier and funnier until I finally realized what he was doing....unforgettable and fun🙂👍

[@TheGiggleMasterP]

Maybe he can finally settle the debate on your Herzog impression!

[@lashendawest7509]

We love your show seth meyers

[@Myron90]

I could listen to him talk for an extended amount of time

[@jwilliamsNY]

I was listening to the show and thought "Wow, impression camp is really paying off, sounds exactly like Werner Herzog"

[@robstimson4234]

l would pay full movie price to see the version of hamlet he envisions. l think theatres should show it six times in a row. What's that, an hour and a half? Perfect length for a theater visit.

[@fernandooliveiralino]

Can't wait to read this book. Werner Herzog was more in my mind than family and friends at times!

[@alex2980]

I love Werner. Fantastic director

[@berulan8463]

Minimal requirement for writing a script - nobody vomiting over the typewriter. That's badass.

[@MPM6785ChitChat]

Voice is a blend of Attenborough and Arnie

[@Triskaan]

That title is so true to Werner though.

[@letsburn00]

Its truly endless madness when Herzog is running the show. Truly brilliant.

[@brigitperry4991]

That's a Hamlet I would watch!

[@RedBearsy]

Extraordinary film-maker 😊

[@joerusso1161]

Incident at Loch Ness is so underrated!

[@spameranne]

we need this hamlet

[@philbrault3699]

This is why this is one of my favorite late night shows still airing. He's the only one who invites directors that aren't extremely main stream like Spielberg and Scorsese. I wish more late night shows had directors as guests.

[@adamkis3569]

Seth did all the voices. I'm convinced of it! He just went back and dubbed over everything Werner Herzog said. Change my mind.

[@jvanpa17]

I read "Every Night the Trees Disappear" about the filming of Herz Aus Glas, what an amazing book, i recommened it

[@viviandarkbloom8847]

It is, indeed. If you haven't yet, you should also read Conquest Of The Useless, the diary he kept while making Fitzcarraldo. It doesn't get any better.

[@codemonkeys7]

Werner Herzog is such a fascinating character. I could listen to him talk all day long.

[@BomageMinimart]

Werner Herzog is one of my favorite human beings.

[@Funkywallot]

Werners biography is dynamite. Its like a long text of intense incantations by a magician

[@mbryson2899]

I enjoyed his performance in "Jack Reacher." He was genuinely scary, I can only imagine what working with him must be like. What did Christopher McQuarrie feel on that set?

[@mbryson2899]

If you haven't seen "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" do yourself a favor and hunt it down. The plot and performances are something else!

[@chrissibersky4617]

Nicolas Cage in Bad Lieutenant is just amazing.

[@__________________v___00000]

"The last poetry of capitalism." Only a poet would see it in those terms.

[@MothGirl007]

I've met him and he autographed my copy of "Nosferatu" for me. He's delightful.

[@jrojala]

Werner Herzog is my favorite impersonation Seth does and I gotta say- its gotta be perfect now.

[@wchurchill419]

I love Werner Herzog. The way he talks and portroys a message is profound and inspiring

[@BitBlink]

Such a legend.

[@bcx1138]

He must b so amazeballs to have as a friend. Imagine just hangin w him just talking abt random ideas

[@sebastianalegria3401]

My mom and I took advantage of seeing a marathon of Herzog's movies, starring Klaus Kinski over the pandemic. Moreover, I didn't know he published his own books, which gets me amazed.

[@gilmour6754]

the film world's greatest mad scientist.

[@redbarchetta8782]

A true Artist.

[@thelastgreataudit8112]

I'm so sad Seth didn't conduct the whole interview in his Herzog.

[@jazminratzlaff5357]

His memoir would be so interesting and fascinating. What an extraordinary life or as he says it 5 lives. Always have loved Werner, such a multitalented down to earth yet genius brilliant creative force of nature. Love his stories, and that voice. Adore that Nicolas Cage, another fave of mine is mentioned. 🇩🇪😍🥰😘👑💎⚜️🏆👂🏻😌😆🤣😂❤️

[@thedarkknight2221]

“I see nothing but death and chaos………I would like to see the baby.” One of the funniest out of context quotes ever made.

[@kildogery]

What a life.

[@khallo151]

I never knew who Werner Herzog was until Seth came back from impression camp and now I clicked on this so fast…

[@LeslieDugger]

The time allotted for these interviews is just inadequate. Late night needs a format refresh

[@COO415]

Werner Herzog, Morgan Freeman & James Earl Jones, could read books or narrate a documentary, I will listen or watch. Those voices are captivating to a point of hypnosis. Werner Herzog came on my radar rather late. I've been a fan from episodes of The Mandalorian.

[@gmenezesdea]

That title was the original title of his film The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser. The sentence "Every man for himself and God against all" was taken from the 1969 Brazilian film Macunaíma.

[@stevenmarkhansen]

such a wonderfully beautiful man❣

[@VEGANSAM]

I can see why Mr. Herzog & Nicolas Cage have such a high level of respect for each other... They have a similar cadence in their thought & speech patterns.

[@JeroenK]

Much too short. Come on, he deserves at least a two parter.

[@jeffdroog]

That's what she said.

[@JeroenK]

@@jeffdroog I'll allow it

[@RebelScum312]

Legend, just watched Incident at Loch Ness yesterday & that movie is genius, will leave you furious, fascinated & laughing out loud, highly recommend

[@seansmith3058]

He didn't direct it but does an amazing send up of himself.

[@RebelScum312]

@@seansmith3058 You're right but that movie has so many layers of hoax I wonder about the directing, writing & other credits, it's like The Life Aquatic inside out (with a hilarious Jacques Cousteau reference too)

[@seansmith3058]

@@RebelScum312 For what it's worth I saw a premiere of it in San Francisco with the director in attendance but then again, that would be the perfect decoy!

[@davincisghost9228]

Fanboying out Werner....😍

[@macrocardiacursus]

The book title is peak Herzog meme material hahaha

[@benwasserman8223]

I’m a simple man. I see Werner Herzog talking, I click immediately.

[@oliviashelby]

Now that I’ve heard his voice, your impression of him is on point

[@workingtoseethelight8244]

Werner!

[@kelownatechkid]

This is amazing!!

[@walt4670]

There is so much more I would want to ask him if given this opportunity, especially on the subject of his memoir.

[@aaronpeart]

Herzog *would* have the most metal name for his memoir

[@carlosgutierrez3968]

I heard this guy would talk to baby Yoda like it was alive

[@Phil-s7w]

I wanna do his version of Hamlet, I can auctioneer.

[@GameOfDepth]

I’m writing a Pinball Comic Book Guide to The Twilight Zone pinball machine. I discovered that writing in the voice of Rod Serling is also readable in the voice of Werner Herzog. I have consolidated the voices and now have a voice called “Rod Herzog”.

[@Barot8]

Herzog is a national treasure.

[@RazbaqueDirge]

KZbin: "Werner Herzog on Languages ..." You're welcome.

[@lashendawest7509]

We love werner herzog

[@osivot]

I saw him speak! He really doesn't like talking about his movie directing career, he basically asked the audience to only ask him about his book writing career.

[@Chayaen]

Werner also saved the live of Joaquin Pheonix. No joke.

[@Phil-s7w]

He's also great on the Simpsons.

[@umair111]

So good in Mandalorian

[@Blodhelm]

And Metalocalypse.

[@jeffshreve4521]

A TRUE legend.

[@gabrieldesouzateixeira2360]

Him always wearing a Janker evokes some sort of mild and melancholic patriotism in me that I never thought I had. 😅❤😂

[@Dr_1212]

Cool 👍

[@adamwtw3108]

seth on the come up.

[@johnshopkins554]

Wait wtf. Isnt he the bad guy in jack reacher, the zec?

[@gratefuljackal8183]

So, this means we're getting a WH impression in the next Corrections, yes? This man is so fascinating, I'm so glad he can come on with Seth who actually lets his guests talk enough.

[@douglasarcher9544]

Fiction needs to be sufficiently credible to allow the reader to suspend disbelief. Reality does not have that constraint. Reality does not care what you believe, what your theories are, or perspective. It just 'is'.

[@asynchronicity]

International treasure❤