Werner Herzog is no ordinary filmmaker. Known for his unyielding creative spirit and legendary adventures, Herzog has carved a unique path in the film world and beyond. From surviving near-death experiences to pushing the boundaries of cinema, his life reads like an epic novel filled with determination, eccentricity, and resilience. Below, we explore the remarkable trivia and accomplishments that define the legacy of this iconic director.
A Brush with Death: Werner Herzog’s Life-Saving Interventions
Herzog’s uncanny presence in moments of crisis is almost mythic. In one such incident, he helped actor Joaquin Phoenix after a terrifying car accident on a winding canyon road. Phoenix, shaken and trapped in his overturned vehicle, heard a calm voice say, “Just relax.” That voice belonged to Herzog, who not only helped Phoenix out of the wreck but also called for emergency assistance before vanishing.
In another harrowing moment, Herzog was being interviewed by BBC film critic Mark Kermode in 2005 when a sniper fired at them with an air rifle. A pellet struck Herzog, but in his characteristic stoicism, he remarked, “It’s not a significant bullet,” and continued the interview undeterred.
Keeping Promises: Eating His Shoe for Art
Herzog’s unwavering support for budding filmmakers is legendary. He once promised to eat his shoe if a young Errol Morris succeeded in making a film he had only talked about. When Morris delivered with Gates of Heaven (1978), Herzog kept his word, documented in the short film Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (1980). The act not only highlighted Herzog’s eccentricity but also his commitment to the art of filmmaking.
A Journey to Save a Life: Walking 500 Miles
In 1974, Herzog embarked on a 500-mile trek from Munich to Paris to visit his ailing friend and film historian, Lotte Eisner. Herzog believed that as long as he walked to her bedside, she wouldn’t dare to die. True to his faith, Eisner recovered and lived for eight more years after Herzog’s extraordinary journey.
Surviving Fate’s Narrow Misses
Herzog has narrowly escaped death multiple times. In 1971, he was scheduled to fly on the same ill-fated flight as Juliane Koepcke, which crashed in the Amazon jungle on Christmas Eve. Bumped off the flight at the last moment, Herzog later recounted the chilling survival story of Koepcke, the only survivor, in Miracles Still Happen (1974).
Even as a newborn, Herzog survived Allied bombings during World War II when shards from a shattered skylight fell around his cot without injuring him—a near-miraculous escape.
The Klaus Kinski Connection: Taming the Wild
Herzog shared a volatile yet deeply creative partnership with the eccentric actor Klaus Kinski, famously collaborating on films like Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) and Fitzcarraldo (1982). Despite their legendary on-set clashes, Herzog is celebrated as the only director capable of channeling Kinski’s genius into cinematic gold.
A Global Vision: Films on Every Continent
Herzog’s filmmaking spans all seven continents, showcasing his unparalleled commitment to capturing diverse cultures, landscapes, and human experiences. From the Amazon rainforest in Aguirre, the Wrath of God to Antarctica in Encounters at the End of the World (2007), his films are a testament to his boundless curiosity.
Guerrilla Filmmaking and Unconventional Methods
Herzog’s unorthodox methods include writing screenplays in mere days and avoiding storyboards. He famously shot his first films with a camera stolen from the Munich Film School, reflecting his do-it-yourself ethos. This philosophy underpins his Rogue Film School, where he teaches guerrilla filmmaking tactics.
A Star in the Opera and Film Worlds
Beyond cinema, Herzog has directed operas on stage, though he avoids blending the medium with film, considering them incompatible. His theatrical sensibilities, however, often bleed into his cinematic work, creating visually arresting and emotionally profound experiences.
Admired by Icons and Critics Alike
François Truffaut called him “the most important film director alive,” while Roger Ebert lauded Herzog for his bold creativity, declaring, “Even his failures are spectacular.” Such praise cements Herzog’s legacy as a fearless innovator who continually redefines the art of storytelling.
Endless Curiosity: From Wrestling to Space Exploration
Herzog’s interests are as eclectic as his films. He’s fascinated by professional wrestling and even worked for NASA in the 1960s. His curiosity extends to the digital realm, as seen in his admiration for the practical effects in The Mandalorian (2019), where he played the enigmatic Client.
A Lifetime of Achievements
In 2013, Herzog received the Pardo d’onore at the Locarno International Film Festival and an honorary award from the German Film Academy, acknowledging his unparalleled contributions to cinema. From his early days in a remote Bavarian village to his current life in Los Angeles, Herzog has remained a relentless force of creativity.
Werner Herzog’s Enduring Legacy
Werner Herzog is not just a filmmaker; he’s a cultural phenomenon, a philosopher, and an adventurer. His life is a testament to the power of human resilience, creativity, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. Whether braving sniper fire, walking 500 miles for a friend, or eating his shoe to honor a promise, Herzog embodies a spirit that inspires artists and dreamers around the world.