The Inner Chronicle of What We Are - Understanding Werner Herzog

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Well, this was a lot of work! I really hope you enjoy this deep dive into the work of one of my favorite filmmakers, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the longer format! Are there any other directors that would be interesting for a video like this?

[@southend26]

I like the deep dive. I want to learn more about film.

[@shapesinaframe]

Christopher Nolan

[@hbkryme]

Scorsese or Spielberg

[@alexrein3223]

Stanley Kubrick, as he had a vision, like Herzog, throughout his oeuvre and was an inspiration to directors and filmmakers, like Scorsese and Spielberg mentioned above and many others of course. He certainly defined cinema and his perfectionism and the way he interacted with his actors makes an interesting topic for sure. [Edit]: Tarkowskij as a lesser known director comes to mind as well as I am writing about Kubrick.

[@HostileButHonourable]

Kieslowski;Von Trier, Visconti, Leone, Malik, Kubrick, Nolan...the list is endless.

[@mikojYT]

I can't believe I only watched this now. This was amazing and it made me realize again what true cinema is and why I fell in love with it. After being bombarded with frustrating mainstream movies, social media, and other forms of visual distractions I feel like I found my way back. Thank you!

[@theblastedfrench]

i feel the same!

[@Some__Rando]

37:01 -- My favorite moment of his Ecstatic Truth is this rogue penguin in Encounters At The End Of The World. As the penguin wanders away from its colony towards the distant mountains, possibly towards certain death, Werner's voice-over comes in with a single simple question delivered with such immense curiosity: "BUT WHY!?" That image of the penguin coupled with the question...it gives you a feeling of vast perspective on all living things. First off, the image is unique. No one has ever captured an image like that because why should an image like that exist? The penguin should NOT be doing that. But it IS doing that. The penguin is suddenly drawn to the great landscape like it had a stroke of inspiration to explore, which it put above the need for it's own self preservation. It has been overcome by the beauty of the world. As the image sinks in, we realize that the penguin's eccentric voyage is not unlike the rogue human settlers of Antarctica who are the main subject of the film. The moment taps into a far greater cosmic mystery behind all eccentric behavior driven by dreams, that maybe it isn't just a human trait. There's a sense of discovery, of something simultaneously unexplainable and rightfully stirring to the soul. The image, as an idea, is slightly insufficient when you try to articulate in words, as I just tried. Our being witness to that penguin opened a door, allowing us to feel an idea that is greater than the sum of the information received. Ecstatic Truth is poetry witnessed.

[@kaidusdream2659]

I just came from a clip of that part!

[@annalisavajda252]

Maybe it's suicidal. Lemmings all jump off a cliff but why?

[@BJSepuku]

​@@annalisavajda252they don't though

[@jirissima]

Pudí ho k tomu nějaký pocit.

[@YaBoiAltair]

I know I'm late in responding to this, but you just articulated everything that I've thought about that penguin for years. The penguin is us.

[@anon2234]

This is perhaps the best investigation and academic look into Herzog's work on KZbin. Literally, tears in my eyes. To call yourself a 'fan' and not a student is an understatement.

[@MiKelForShiZzel]

I've met Herzog in 2018 during a panel talk at the DOK Leipzig and he talked about the scene in 24:31 when the two men are crawling on the ice. He said that they met these guys during the production in a local bar a day before shooting the scene mentioned above. Both were absolutely drunk (sorry Russians for this stereotype coming true again) and where asked to crawl about the ice for the documentary. They agreed and appeared (again strongly drunken) on the next day to the lake. In the very end of the scene one stops crawling and lays on the ice. Herzog discovered that this guy simply fell asleep because of his intoxication

[@smkh2890]

Herzog can see the possible alternate interpretations of our behaviour.

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

No one can talk about crazy filmmakers without talking about the man, the myth, the legend, Werner Herzog. Great to see a video like this one.

[@pathduck]

"We have to articulate ourselves, otherwise we would be cows in a field." What a beautiful way to end it :)

[@mareksicinski3726]

cows in a field articulate themselves tho they have feelings and an awareness of others to a greater extent than people give them credit, the contempt for them is udneserved

[@TheBritomart]

This is the best reason for KZbin to exist. Thank you ❤️

[@ObviousCleft]

I hope you don’t find this patronising, but you can really tell how much you’ve grown as a creator with this. I loved how you gave us a minute at the end without voiceover to feel and experience for ourselves the ecstatic truth Herzog described. What an incredibly rewarding insight into one of the most ambitious and disparate filmographies out there. Thank you, Tom. You remain my favourite creator on KZbin. Keep it coming!

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Thanks! Appreciate it! It was actually quite challenging to talk about Herzog's 'ecstatic truth' because he describes it as being so intuitive and beyond analysis that discussing it almost seemed antithetical, so I figured I'd just try to show it as Herzog himself does it.

[@rowanh2026]

Exactly what I thought mate!

[@kanalbenenner7830]

And legend has it, he is still looking for that song.

[@svsugvcarter]

Ice, Ice, Baby, I think.

[@HalconiisdaBuonarroti]

"But they serve to communicate a different kind of truth(...) He is not interested in their facts. He is interested in their dreams" I couldn't ever forget this line as long as I draw breath. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for performing such a marvelous essay on this outstanding artist and human.

[@warmbabaganoush4825]

I'm going through a difficult time in my life (is there ever any non difficult time?) and this work of yours has just helped put a lot of stuff into perspective. Its radiant with ecstatic truth.

[@brianmessemer2973]

Yes, there are easier, lighter, more fun times. I'm not in one right now - like you I'm in a difficult time - but I remember that there are radiant times. Hold fast and keep on.

[@neatrizareco4807]

Really.. To me there is not... Every day it becomes harder. But you get stronger to. So.. Dont let the sun go down so many times in your life. YOU WILL GET STRONGER and better. So, from a fellow hard warrior. I send you grettings and HOPE.

[@heekyungkim8147]

life has becoming harder and harder....

[@GuacamoleyNacho]

Youth is a blunder, Manhood a struggle, Old Age a regret. Benjamin Disraeli

[@heidijaeger2947]

​@@GuacamoleyNachoalles absolut nicht zutreffend 🤪😉

[@username4570]

Right when I feel like I'm giving up hope you give me this and I feel Herzog smile at the humanity of my despair. Thank you.

[@rottensquid]

I think this has become my absolute favorite KZbin channel. You dig deep.

[@elizabethalexandra5270]

Ted Naifeh : My Entire Soul agrees with you.

[@elizabethalexandra5270]

Ted Naifeh : I watched Fitzcaraldo last night and every time I am in awe and feel like I’m watching a biography. Herzog is the absolute MASTER.....🙏🏼

[@rottensquid]

[@nowheredan27]

This is my favorite KZbin video and every once in a while I feel compelled to revisit it. It talks about truth and there is much, much truty within it.

[@joshtan2387]

That's what I love so much about your videos: You're not just there to give us a brief overview of something, but talk about what it actually means, not just to you, but to anyone who sees them. Art and stories can mean so much and change people, but often people just talk about if "it's good" and nothing else. There's something inherently resonating about great art, something full of truth and personality, that deserves communication beyond the cynical. Another amazing video, thank you for putting so much time into it.

[@scientifico]

I've always had a unconscious connection to Herzog. His images: of the paddleboat on the amazon hill, still from Aguirre Wrath of God have struck me from my first exposure as a schoolboy. He is a magical human and this wonderful documentary reveals how his magic has enriched us. Thank you!

[@Porkchopnchief]

I wept with joy inside while watching this today - so needed, well told, well imagined and timely for these times when we are all a little more Diogenes as we retreat quietly through quarantine from the dead imagery and noise of society. Well done.

[@Brochnick]

If all were a bit more like Diogenes the world would be a far better place... they, instead, remained noisy & nasty (online) just like they were before & have been since. So it goes... I do like your wording/way of writing though.

[@beaksofeagles]

This is a masterpiece in itself. I am deeply moved by the reverence you show for Herzog even as he shows reverence for the subjects of his film. Thank you.

[@eddiemorrone870]

“My belief is that all these dreams are yours as well. And the only distinction between me and you is that I can articulate them.” 35:58

[@younggrasshopper3531]

Oh my goodness, man, this sacred level good. A holy war against the destructive of TV, the struggle to express our pure essence and be understood by others.... beautiful beyond words. Thank you!

[@curiousworld7912]

There are very few true artists making films. Herzog is one of them. Thanks for the long work on this.

[@matheusafrancez]

Great. 3 days now since I've been introduced to Herzog's cinema, everyday watching a film or documentary by him. Already watched Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Fitzcarraldo and Burden of Dreams, and I am soooo in love by this man. Today, open the youtube and your latest video came upon me. Thanks for this, it was amazing.

[@lostinthewoods2201]

I keep coming back to this video. If our world dies from natural causes, then please god let the server hosting this video be one of the places in the universe that expresses something true about humainty. This is amazing Art LSOO.

[@E11imist]

A 40 minute video!!! Thank you so much for this blessing

[@PH-yo6fz]

I have not seen any of his movies , but after watching the first 4 minutes of this documentary, I think he might already be my favorite director of all time. I look forward to seeing all his films and learning more about the man.

[@furbs9999]

I think of Werner Herzog as showing me the dreams of people i will never meet.

[@mclare71]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Beautiful. Elegant. Mesmerizing. Sublime.

[@gurwindersinghchohan8669]

Love you

[@reinhardstadler3850]

As a great fan of this wonderful film maker Werner Herzog I have seen all his films. Thank you for this great documentary.

[@stirfriedchuck3040]

This is a masterpiece of a video essay. I cannot overstate how powerful and moving this was to me.

[@codylakin288]

Herzog has been important to me in a way that’s difficult to articulate ever since I first discovered him. I’ve continually been confounded and troubled and disturbed and challenged and amazed by him. My girlfriend and I love his documentaries and we consider him “our” filmmaker the same way some couples have “our” song or something, partly because Herzog himself is so incredibly interesting to witness, even hilarious. This fabricated, ecstatic truth, the nature of his documentaries and his presence in them, is exactly what makes them stand out so profoundly from others. Basically anytime I’ve seen a documentary, part of me wonders how it would’ve been had it been Herzog behind the camera. Thank you for this gorgeous, articulate video essay. Alongside Ebert’s letter to Herzog, this May be the best take I’ve seen on Herzog’s work and on the man himself

[@petervlcko4858]

erste klasse. I never saw Kinski happy. but really genuinely happy that way that he expressing it naturally and with no doubts about it. this was really inner child bliss shown through work of others... resembling true faith in humanity in any form.

[@piercemansfield7362]

Your taste in music is just as good as your taste in film, I appreciate to find another person who values the art they consume.

[@Mathew19_26]

Making a career summation this calm, and at times ecstatic, is in itself a Herzogian conquest. Fantastic job.

[@jayc9940]

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. Mr. Herzog was on a podcast almost 2 years ago, but because of my ignorance I lost interest. This video brought a whole new light, and I will be listening to that podcast again with open eyes.

[@heathen_mick]

Your videos are like a spiritual journey every time I watch one I discover something about myself that I never knew existed

[@PedroDominguesunus]

Thank you so much for this. Beautiful video. I shook Werner's hand 3 months ago and was only able to say: "Thank you for everything, sir" and he noded politely. We need to keep burning with all the poetry we can congregate. Wondeful video, impecably researched and edited.

[@hjelsethak]

There is nothing to add, but silent appreciation and gratitude for art at it's finest.

[@samuelloncarbecominghumanproj]

A beautiful treatment of a beautiful soul. Herzog is so easy to miss, to ironize and even mock, especially in US culture, which is terrified of real depth, for which it has so profound a need and so little space in its heart. Most, even good, interviewers and documentaries pass over any contact with the soul, the poetry, of his work. It is philosophical (in the ancient, not academic sense), and this documentary brings that through well. Herzog's work, like all great art, it is both a vision of truth and what that vision lets us see. You may open many eyes to that double-vision, and that is good work indeed.

[@mantheory6432]

What is truth? Can we see it when it is shown? Can we hear it when it is told? Can we feel it when it is expressed?... You sir are the soul of a lost art. One I thought I would never see again. May you never stop showing you light to us.

[@resurrectionist1]

I once got to meet Herzog when he came to my university. Intimidating in all the right ways

[@gretchenbaker7435]

Whenever i watch one of his , i find my mind stills. Usually i always have a hum or song lyirc going around and around and im never immersed in anything fully except for his works. This excellent video did the same thank you.

[@alexmultimodalpackrafting915]

Brillant! You chose the right amount of details necessary to touch something we didn't expect. I can't imagine the agony of letting all the ideas and clips go in the process of making this moving documentary.

[@russell28533]

This is a very underrated channel. You deserve a larger audience.

[@gurwindersinghchohan8669]

Kase ho

[@stevearle]

Fascinating and life affirming... sometimes I need to be reminded how deep and rich our world is.

[@hume-fl9dq]

Definitely the most comprehensive Hertzog film review that one could possibly learn in 39 mins. Well researched and well presented. A model for any film review. Thank you. So happy to find your channel. subscribed.

[@viningscircle]

The most poetic of filmmakers. Images that always fascinate, whether it be feature or documentary. I look forward to continuing seeing more of his output, which is so diverse. What I have seen thus far gives me a good idea of the man. He is a thinker outside the box it might be said.

[@nemsimic]

Honestly one of the most visionary videos I've seen on this platform. Bravo.

[@robertoalexandre4250]

This was an amazing experience of sensibility and deep, both of Herzog and also of whoever made the film, wrote the script weaving in the images and the narrator's soft-spoken voice.

[@XxLegato666xX]

This is one of the greatest documentaries on KZbin like others have said, and it put into context why I've always loved Herzog. If I could give any human being a great big hug and thank them Itd be Werner, definitely.

[@matthewleger5605]

goddamn, you managed to put everything i love about Herzog into words.his reverence for other cultures, approaching anything alien to him with genuine wonder and sincerity is so beautiful. just an unparalleled genius ... only thing i can throw on that gives me genuine faith in humanity (as much as it's possible) and - dare i say - hope for the future

[@joeessig3550]

This is so well made, thank you. I’ve seen ‘educational’ videos on KZbin plenty of times, but never have I actually found one so directly insightful and well-pieced together. Doesn’t at all feel like you just are regurgitating online essays about the subject. What could be scholarly analysis ends up being very emotionally stirring, I think Herzog himself would appreciate that. I’m cringing at myself for writing an earnest KZbin comment, but it felt necessary.

[@johngillon6969]

I don't imagine that i could be as creative as this gentleman, and this video makes me glad i'm not such a gifted artist.. poor Werner has suffered for his art. This video tore at my heart so much I had to take breaks, I love you Werner where ever you are.

[@bard5865]

To find something beautiful without studying it too much... this video is one of those. It is art.

[@DarkAngelEU]

My favourite director along David Lynch and Tarkovsky, the three know what's up with modernity and I freakin love em for educating me so well. Thank you for this great video, my brother.

[@MountainRhode]

I think perhaps this should be put forward as best video on KZbin ever. Let alone about Werner Herzog 😄

[@SavageFreddy33]

Goddamn, I almost cried. Your videos are absolute works of art, and are deeply satisfying. Thanks man.

[@maggiefisher6253]

You see the genius in Herzog's films. You have captured his true spirit in this documentary.

[@z1ssou]

Love your work, especially all the videos you've covered with the representation of archetypes and Robert Moore's work. I've read and listened to a lot of his stuff and you really do an amazing job of bringing those ideas to life. Powerful stuff man, thanks for everything from Canada!

[@ZvilgantisKailis]

I like narrator's voice in Like Stories of Old.

[@PaquiChipSkylar]

Herzog is easily one of my favorite directors. This is a worthy tribute.

[@omni_frame]

thank you so much for your highly curated productions, it is really a bliss and inspiration.

[@Dani68ABminus]

He manages to combine the absurdity of it all and the profoundness of every detail in a way so the power of the whole can be felt while making the minutiae seem ridiculous. As above so below. As within so without. That's the best way I can describe it. Herzog seems to know that we're all just children playing games while recognizing how important this play is for our development. He is deeply intuitive and I cherish that in him. Also, thank you for this beautiful film!

[@vanshikabhatnagar3739]

i dropped out of film school and i swear i learned more about documentary and truth-telling in this video than i did in all of those 2.5 years.

[@arthursaey]

Hier heb je echt veel energie in gestoken, werkelijk een pronkstuk! Dank Je!

[@AshrafAli77]

Thankyou sincerely. You change life just like wheels, electricity and aeroplanes did. You are a world asset.

[@iswissmiss]

I think the tears I get watching your videos is my reaction to the ecstatic truth you reveal in all these wonderful films. Thank you

[@jaykiriona]

Thank you for your efforts LSOO. You do the world a great service with your amazing work.

[@jakobryce9073]

I love Herzog. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@peteaulit]

If you don’t know who Werner Herzog is before watching this you want to learn more about him. If you know his work, you realize how great of a documentary this is ! That film really baked my noodle. Great job !!

[@greg1mcintosh844]

Wow that overview was itself a masterpiece of a master film maker I'm so moved. I'm so happy I stumbled on Werner Herzog just this week. Now I want to watch everything he's made. I love how he sees the world so inspiring and so wakes me up there's more of us out there! 🌹🌋😳😱🙆🥰

[@nolandost3070]

This was /exactly/ the sort of video that I was hoping for from this channel. Excellent work!

[@paulmccarter908]

With this examination of Herzog and his films, I dreamed the dreams of others, and learned a little bit about ourselves. Thank you, thank you, thank you.❤

[@stephenmeier4658]

The first time I saw one of your videos I thought of Werner Herzog. Your analyses are always incredible

[@pioneermax007]

What you do is unlike anything else you can find on youtube, every single video I have watched has given me an entirely different perspective, keep it up.

[@chrishills2427]

Simply put, he is the greatest alive today. A world treasure

[@JohnMccart777]

There really is something Saintly about Herzog and his work in the Great European Tradition of Art.

[@oberstul1941]

I loved some of Herzog's movies so much, that it made me cry. This was a great insight into his work and mind, and I'm truly grateful for it; you reminded me how impressive and beautiful his movies are. Time for some rewatching; cheers!

[@danielapanks]

Superb. Great work! Herzog is a gift to the human race.

[@josueaguirre3667]

Bravo!! Bravo on putting this together. You captured the essence of this man’s quest.

[@CrimeanHorseArcher]

Now I just listen to you while painting. Your usage of voice helps to calm the mind and you are a good thinker

[@jairofonseca1597]

Aguirre, Kaspar Hauser, Heart of Glass and Nosferatu blew my mind in the 70´s ... forever. Much thanks for this documentary.

[@samula_1]

I really like the way you form such a well thought out critique of the films and film makers that you admire in such an articulate way while also applying obvious talent and skill to way you craft each of your documentaries.

[@mr.atomictitan9938]

The filming technique seems similar that of Terrence Malick. I wonder if he will take over for this imporant director. This was delightful and fasinating to watch. can't wait for the next one.

[@loyisomatanda1767]

Thank you so much for your contribution to society

[@rkrw576]

Excellent film crit. I will rewatch his films now with a completely new perspective.

[@dameinoferrall2400]

I don't love or even like all of his films, but the ones I do, I hold dear. As one of the most honest filmmakers alive today, W.H. has no peer.

[@eisenhertz]

i love Herzog and his films.Thanks a lot!

[@tumisveinnsnorrason7379]

What transcendingly beautiful insight and commentary on another transcendingly beautiful film-maker, your efforts shine with a reverence for poetry and deeper meaning that is perfectly fitting for a subject matter like Herzog. Thank you.

[@agneswilder733]

I carry Herzog's book, "Of walking in ice" everywhere with me.

[@liltick102]

I can’t wait to read that one fr

[@Allenmarshall]

Thank you. I'll get it immediately.

[@liltick102]

@@Allenmarshall Finally read it - it was as fantastic as I’d hoped, if not a bit shorter.

[@Lopfff]

Thanks for the rec

[@thomasprislacjr.4063]

I often fantasize about walking to my oblivion in the antarctic while orthodox christian choirs fill the air with hymns. That penguin was on point.

[@RosablueHandMade]

What a gift this man is. Thank you for this.

[@alejandrotanus6480]

I just saw this video. I started to see Herzog's movies recently. I falled in love with this director. Thank to you for your job. I hope for more youtube channels like this.

[@MrLynnpetty]

You are a story teller in your own right. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@halsinden]

during the first lockdown, here in the UK, i was in the depths / absolute apex of my alcoholism that i would some months later be pulled out of by my body letting me know that i was on the way out in an extremely chronic and painful way, a process that lasted almost a year of persistent cramping etc. however, in the midst of my doldrum, one morning i had been up for almost 2 days and found myself re-watching this video and, for some reason i'm still trying to make sense of, i found myself reaching the final act and absolutely bawling my eyes out for almost an hour straight. something about the insight and the profoundly resonant existential sorrow might have something to do with it. i'm oddly grateful for it.

[@dayuhanspace]

Theres no one else like Werner Herzog as a director, i was lucky enough to know some of his films thru a workshop by one of his cinematographer in the 70s Jorg Schmidt Reittwein

[@oscargustaverejlander.]

Bravo!! This was fantastic!!!!... I was lucky enough to attend Herzog's Rogue Film School in 2014.

[@diamondinthestonebyriverbl2148]

Herzog a truly unique insightful soul! Thank you

[@markdeez7533]

Werner is one of my heroes! As Star Wars fans, we are blessed to have him in The Mandalorian. As cinema fans, we are blessed that he took the role in The Mandalorian to fund more of his film projects. Herzog is one of the most prolific filmmakers of all time.

[@reganovich]

Another connection between Herzog in the Mandalorian and the Star Wars universe is that the island he films the movie where he hypnotised the people is Sceilg Mhicil in South West Ireland. This is the same island called Ahch-To, in the force awakens where they find Luke Skywalker

[@polinamitrofanova6288]

Thank you so much for digging so deep in helping me understanding Werner Herzog films. I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own. Thank you for your brilliant film, efforts and your talent to be able doing so.

[@FernandaMMoran]

Muchas gracias por tan MARAVILLOSO DOCUMENTAL del GENIAL LUCIDO Y ARTISTA MUCHAS gracias es amor a la vida y la libertad profundamente, desde BsAs.

[@gammakeraulophon]

Hey.. absolutely fantastic documentary.. thanks so much! So rare to find such quality of work on KZbin - I find myself absurdly grateful. Truly inspiring.