“Burden of Dreams” is what happens when a madman’s fever dream collides with Mother Nature’s nightmare.
It’s a gonzo jungle odyssey where sanity takes a backseat to cinematic obsession.
Imagine “Apocalypse Now” behind the scenes, but with more leeches, a ranting German, and a 320-ton steamship playing hard to get.
I rank it #10 in my list of “The Best Making of Movie” documentaries.
Thanks to the Variety writing team for first pointing this doc out to me in 2021 in their “The 25 Best Documentaries About Hollywood, Ranked”
Trailer for “Burden of Dreams”
Watch “Burden of Dreams”
Watch “Burden of Dreams”:
- for free on Kanopy (requires library card or student ID) at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/112995
- on Criterion Channel (with subscription) at https://www.criterionchannel.com/burden-of-dreams
- on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/0P0TGDXRIJDLSBBMN78VCV8OMR/ ($3.59 last I checked)
- on Apple TV at https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/burden-of-dreams/umc.cmc.3pi5j9j9zu3ubxlla194olige ($3.99 last I checked)
Streaming options are here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/burden-of-dreams
Ratings:
- My Rating: 93/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 91/100 (Users); 89/100 (Critics)
Release Date: September 22, 1982.
Review of “Burden of Dreams”
“Burden of Dreams” (1982) is about the making of Werner Herzog’s “Fitzcarraldo” movie.
Herzog is the man behind some of the best docs I’ve seen, such as “Grizzly Man” (98/100), “Happy People: A Year in the Taiga” (97/100) and “Little Dieter Learns to Fly” (93/100).
“Burden of Dreams” is famous for documenting Herzog’s attempt to move a 320-ton steamship over a mountain in the Amazon.
Without special effects!
It’s 1979, and Herzog is battling nature, logistics, and his own ambition.
Herzog’s Grandiose Vision
The 95-minute doc from 1982 (directed by Les Blank) opens with Herzog’s grandiose vision.
We watch as the production faces one setback after another.
Native extras abandon the set. Klaus Kinski, the volatile lead actor, throws tantrums.
Equipment breaks down in the harsh jungle environment.
Blank captures Herzog’s growing desperation and determination. The director’s monologues become increasingly unhinged.
“The trees here are in misery, and the birds are in misery,” Herzog rants.
“I don’t think they sing. They just screech in pain.”
You’ll be surprised to learn this iconic monologue was staged.
Blank had Herzog repeat it for the camera. The original delivery happened off-camera during a canoe ride.
The doc doesn’t shy away from controversy. We see the exploitation of indigenous people. Herzog’s treatment of locals raises ethical questions.
You’ll witness the alarming disregard for indigenous safety. The production endangers local lives. Blank’s unflinching lens captures this troubling aspect.
Blank’s observational style is key.
The film’s title takes on multiple meanings.
It refers to Fitzcarraldo’s quest to build an opera house in the jungle. But it also applies to Herzog’s own quixotic mission.
I love how much this doc made me feel I was in the rainforest.
You’ll hear the constant drone of insects, the rush of water, the crack of thunder. It’s a sonic landscape as rich as the visuals.
Native children play with film equipment, turning it into impromptu musical instruments.
The doc’s pacing mirrors the production’s struggles. Long, languid shots reflect the endless waiting. Sudden bursts of activity punctuate the torpor.
Blank doesn’t ignore the human cost. We see injuries, illness, and near-death experiences. The crew’s morale plummets as the weeks turn into months.
You’ll feel the crew’s exhaustion viscerally. Blank and his small team were pushed to their limits. The filmmaker felt emotionally disconnected, comparing it to Vietnam veterans’ experiences.
Herzog’s relationship with Kinski is a focal point. Their explosive arguments are balanced by moments of grudging respect. It’s a complex dynamic that drives much of the drama.
The doc raises questions about artistic vision versus practicality. Is Herzog a visionary or a madman? The line blurs as the production drags on.
You’ll find yourself questioning the ethics of filmmaking.
At what point does artistic pursuit become exploitation? The doc offers no easy answers.
Blank’s camera captures stunning natural vistas. Mist-shrouded mountains and raging rivers become characters in their own right. The jungle’s beauty and menace are equally palpable.
We see Herzog’s crew pushed to their limits.
Engineers grapple with the impossible task of moving the ship. Local laborers toil in dangerous conditions.
The production team is desperate to keep their crew happy.
They even hire prostitutes to keep the cast content.
The doc doesn’t neglect the indigenous perspective. We hear from Aguaruna Indians who view the filmmakers as invaders.
You’ll learn about local customs and diet.
The Indians drink masato, a fermented yuca beverage. It’s vital to their nutrition and cultural practices.
Blank includes moments of surreal humor. A cow dangles from a helicopter. Herzog cooks and eats his shoe to fulfill a bet.
These scenes offer brief respite from the tension.
The film’s climax is the actual hauling of the ship. It’s a Herzogian feat of will over nature. You’ll hold your breath as the massive vessel inches up the muddy slope.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat during this sequence. A Brazilian engineer warns of a 70% chance of failure. Dozens of lives hang in the balance.
I won’t spoil what happens with the ship. Just watch it.
The doc also gives a unique glimpse of what could have been.
I loved seeing the rare footage of Jason Robards and Mick Jagger. They were part of the abandoned initial production.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc