Legendary Filmmaker Werner Herzog: A Career Spanning Seven Continents

Werner Herzog, the mystic oracle and half-kidding huckster of cinema, has captivated audiences for over six decades with his unique storytelling style. From his documentaries to his dramatic features, shorts, operas, and television programs, Herzog has chronicled humankind’s turbulent relationship with a harsh and indifferent universe. Now, at 81 years old, he is set to visit WBUR’s CitySpace to discuss his highly anticipated memoir, “Every Man for Himself and God Against All.” In anticipation of this unforgettable evening, here are five titles worth streaming to get a taste of Herzog’s remarkable body of work.

1. “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972)
Set in 16th-century Peru, this film follows a battalion of Spanish soldiers led by Pizarro in search of the mythical city of gold, El Dorado. Klaus Kinski delivers a mesmerizing performance as the cunning and deranged Don Lope de Aguirre, the group’s leader. Shot on location in the Andes with a stolen camera, Herzog’s masterpiece immerses viewers in a world of hypnotic images and ethereal unease. Available for rent or purchase on most VOD outlets.

2. “Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe” (1980)
In this delightfully silly short film, Herzog fulfills a bet made with his friend and fellow filmmaker, Errol Morris. After Morris completes his first movie, Herzog cooks and consumes his own shoe. This jovial display showcases Herzog’s eccentric humor and his ability to generate buzz for unconventional projects. Available for streaming on the Criterion Channel and Kanopy, and for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime.

3. “Stroszek” (1977)
Venturing into the heartland of America, Herzog tells the story of ex-con Bruno S. and his companion as they leave Germany in search of the American dream. With his unique perspective, Herzog captures the beauty and absurdity of midwestern consumer culture, blending humor and sadness together. The film’s closing image of a dancing chicken in a penny arcade speaks to the futility of human existence. Streaming on Kanopy and available for rent or purchase on most VOD outlets.

4. “Grizzly Man” (2005)
With Timothy Treadwell as his subject, Herzog explores the complex relationship between humans and nature. Treadwell, an eccentric man who spent his summers living among grizzly bears in Alaska, provides a stark contrast to Herzog’s own observations of the wilderness. As Treadwell anthropomorphizes the bears he encounters, Herzog sees only the indifference and hostility of nature. The film raises profound questions about our place in the universe. Streaming on Kanopy and Amazon Prime, and available for rent or purchase on most VOD outlets.

5. “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” (2009)
Herzog’s collaboration with Nicolas Cage results in a darkly comedic and exhilarating film. Cage portrays a crooked cop in post-Katrina New Orleans, showcasing a thrillingly rococo performance. Herzog’s fascination with the city’s submerged streets and the chaos following the hurricane is evident throughout the film. Amidst all the depravity, a touchingly sincere message of redemption emerges. Streaming on Kanopy, Hulu, and Peacock, and available for rent or purchase on most VOD outlets.

Don’t miss your chance to engage with the enigmatic Werner Herzog at WBUR’s CitySpace. Although in-person tickets are sold out, virtual tickets are still available for this extraordinary event.