Aguirre, Wrath of God (1972)
aka
Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes
A breathtaking journey into the heart of darkness.

Director
Werner Herzog

Writer
Werner Herzog

Producer
Werner Herzog

Cast
Klaus Kinski – Don Lope de Aguirre
Helena Rojo – Inez
Del Negro – Brother Gaspar de Carvajal
Ruy Guerra – Don Pedro de Ursua
Peter Berling – Don Fernando de Guzman
Cecilia Rivera – Flores
Daniel Ades – Perucho
Edward Roland – Okello
Armando Polanah – Armando
Alejandro Repulles – Gonzalo Pizarro
Justo González – González
Gerd Martienzen – Voice of Don Lope de Aguirre

Review by Sven Soetemans
The Madness of King Klaus…,
I don’t really know where to start with this masterpiece from the hands of Werner Herzog… As strange as it may sound and to my own surprise, the actual story of “Aguirre, Wrath of God” itself isn’t staggering or even innovating at all. It completely is Werzog’s eye for perfection and the unbearably slow suffering of the characters what makes this film such a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. The events take place in the year 1560, when Spanish Conquistadores struggle their way through the Peruvian jungles in search for El Dorado; the city of gold. Due to misery and the constant threat of Indians, it is decided that a smaller group continues the quest on rafts, led by Don Pedro de Ursua. But, in reality, it is the second in command – the malevolent and power mad Aguirre – who runs the expedition and eventually brings total damnation upon his men and himself.

The first thing that immediately strikes you is the genuine filming locations. With much sense of realism, Herzog and his entire crew went to the heated and perilous Peru, rather than to shoot this epic in fake and jungle-decorated studios. Much like it also helped “Apocalypse Now”, the characters really seem lost in this setting and unknowing about what’ll happen next. I nearly can’t stress enough what kind of extra impact this gives to the film! After all, did the real Spanish colonialists back in the 16th century knew for sure that this El Dorado was a true place and within reach?? Another beautiful example to illustrate the importance of the setting, this time along with Herzog’s typical eye for symbolism, is the magnificent opening sequence in which the whole group descends a mountain pass. Other than proving how difficult the journey is, Herzog – without words – sketches the relations and hierarchy in the group, with slaves, exhausted warriors and ladies in fancy chairs.

“Aguirre – Wrath of God” is a seventies film filled with fascinating contradictions. Too much to list, actually. All these men ever talk about is power and wealth, but they’re stuck in a hopeless situation of poverty. More particularly Aguirre, who boisterously declared himself the embodiment of God’s Wrath, is a victim of his own ambition. Even the beautiful filming location merely is a contradiction…since all you ever see is suffering. There’s not that much dialogue in this film and yet all the cast members deliver memorable acting performances. Especially Klaus Kinski, of course, whose Don Lope de Aguirre is one of the most macabre and antipathetic figures in the history of film-making. Fans of cult cinema already know that Kinski was an indisputable genius and his multiple collaborations with director Herzog are all masterpieces. The climax sequence, in which Kinski misguidedly roams around the raft, is one of the most haunting things I ever saw. See this masterpiece whenever you have the chance!