Fresh Air Podcast Summary: "Werner Herzog Isn't The 'Wild Guy' You Think He Is"
Episode Information:
- Title: Werner Herzog Isn't The 'Wild Guy' You Think He Is
- Host: Terry Gross
- Release Date: December 6, 2024
- Description: In this engaging episode, Terry Gross delves deep into the life and mindset of renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog. Contrary to his rugged on-screen persona, Herzog reveals a profound sense of discipline and introspection shaped by his tumultuous upbringing and adventurous career.
1. Introduction to Werner Herzog
The episode opens with host Terry Gross welcoming Werner Herzog, a legendary writer and director known for his intense storytelling and exploration of extreme personalities and environments. Herzog's films, such as Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo, are highlighted for their daring premises and his collaborations with the volatile actor Klaus Kinski.
Notable Quote:
"Werner Herzog is a writer and director known for his unique approach to storytelling that often delves into the extremes, extreme personalities, predicaments and places." [00:17]
2. Early Life and Influences
Herzog recounts his challenging childhood in post-World War II Munich and rural Bavaria. Born during the war, his early memories include his mother's desperate rescue from the bombed city and growing up in poverty. These formative experiences instilled in him a deep curiosity about the world and a drive to explore its hidden and often perilous corners.
Notable Quote:
"So, you see, my hair is thinning and I just accept it as it is. No, sick. Rather dead. Yeah." [11:48]
3. Approach to Filmmaking and Extremes
Herzog discusses his fascination with extreme scenarios, not as a pursuit of danger for its own sake, but as metaphors to explore the human condition. He emphasizes that his commitment to safety is paramount, noting that despite the high-risk stunts in his films, no actors were injured under his direction.
Notable Quote:
"But I knew it was doable, although quite hard. I think it is such a big metaphor... And of course, I disagree a little bit about what you said about risking things." [02:36]
4. Collaboration with Klaus Kinski
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Herzog's tumultuous relationship with Klaus Kinski. Herzog praises Kinski's extraordinary acting abilities while acknowledging his unpredictable nature. He explains how he managed to harness Kinski's intensity for films like Aguirre and Fitzcarraldo, ensuring that his on-set behavior did not jeopardize the production.
Notable Quote:
"He had quite a few facets. And of course, since I lived in the same boarding house directly with him and saw the tornado laying waste to the entire apartment, so I knew what was coming at me..." [17:05]
5. Personal Discipline and Character Formation
Herzog shares a pivotal moment from his youth when he injured his brother during a fight. This event was a catalyst for developing self-discipline, a trait he believes is central to his professional success. Contrary to popular belief, Herzog denies being the "wild" type, asserting that his public persona is one of meticulous discipline.
Notable Quote:
"From one moment to the next, I knew that something like that cannot happen again... Until today, 90% of what you see when you meet me is discipline." [08:49]
6. Views on Self-Exploration vs. External Exploration
When questioned about his reluctance to engage in self-analysis, Herzog explains that his creative work allows him to explore the depths of others' souls without delving excessively into his own. He believes that excessive introspection can be unhealthy, preferring to focus on understanding human nature through his subjects.
Notable Quote:
"It's not healthy if you circle too much around your own navel. And it is not good to recall all the trauma of your childhood." [11:21]
7. Experiences with Danger in Filmmaking
Herzog recounts dangerous incidents during film productions, including an eruption while filming near a volcano and being shot at during a BBC shoot. He emphasizes his ability to assess and respond to threats, prioritizing safety without compromising the integrity of his work.
Notable Quote:
"It was the most serious thing that ever happened. And of course, it is serious, and you have to cope with it." [19:57]
8. Acting and Narration Roles
Beyond directing, Herzog discusses his ventures into acting and narration. Known for his distinctive, hypnotic voice, he has lent his talents to various roles in films and popular TV shows like Jack Reacher, The Mandalorian, and The Simpsons. Despite his on-screen "sinister" roles, Herzog clarifies that these are purely performances, contrasting with his disciplined real-life persona.
Notable Quote:
"It's a stylized voice... It has caught on. Audiences love it, so I do it for them as well." [32:08]
9. Reflections on War and Humanity
Drawing from his wartime experiences, Herzog expresses a staunch anti-war stance. He reflects on the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of preventing such atrocities from recurring. His deep-seated belief in fighting against burgeoning barbarism underscores his commitment to humanitarian principles.
Notable Quote:
"There shouldn't be any war. I'm against any war at all." [27:32]
10. Future Projects and Ongoing Work
In conclusion, Herzog speaks about his upcoming projects, including his new memoir Every Man for Himself and God Against All, another book titled The Future of Truth, and several unreleased films. Always prolific, he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through various mediums.
Notable Quote:
"I'm enjoying it. And I have been good in parts, in roles where I have to play the badass bad guy... it's all performance." [33:28]
Conclusion
Terry Gross's conversation with Werner Herzog offers a revealing look into a man often perceived as the epitome of the "wild" filmmaker. Through candid discussions about his past, creative processes, and personal philosophies, Herzog dispels misconceptions, presenting himself as a disciplined and introspective artist dedicated to exploring the profound depths of human nature.
Episode Takeaway: Werner Herzog challenges the conventional image of the extreme filmmaker by highlighting his disciplined approach and deep-seated motivations rooted in his early life experiences. This nuanced portrayal underscores the complexity behind his acclaimed cinematic endeavors.