I need to check my memory of the Herzog film, Aguirre, the Wrath of God:
Is there a character who holds something in his hand that is never revealed? Is that character Ursua, the leader of the expedition that Aguirre overthrows?
Okay, but while I’m here: I am writing about Hollywood in my latest book and it has led, inevitably, to me thinking about how important movies were to me, once upon a time, and how that faded, and whether that’s just me, or part of getting older.
As an intern at the Atlanta Consitution, I walked many, many blocks, maybe three miles in all (and some of them a little scary) to see Aguirre, the Wrath of God. Later, in my early years in Texas, I would drive a hundred miles to see films at art houses in Dallas or Austin. (Remember, this is pre-VCR! If you didn’t drive a hundred miles to see The Getting of Wisdom, or The Stunt Man, or The Buddy Holly Story, you might never see them. And that would have been tragic!) I went to the movies every weekend. I had to see The Godfather Part III at the first possible matinee — on Christmas.
Now, I see maybe four movies a year in the theater. In the past twelve months, I’ve seen: The Queen, Blades of Glory, The Simpsons, and Hairspray. (When I do go to the movies, I’m often accompanied by a 13-year-old.) At this point, I probably go to the theater more often than I go to the movies.
So, have the movies changed, as Nora Desmond tried to tell us? Did technology change the movies? Or am I just really old?
ETA: Just added Aguirre to my Netflix queue. If I were a PC user, I could have watched it now. This world is too much with us, late and soon.
A reference librarian at Pratt Central . . . I didn’t know celebrities read this blog!
Seriously folks, if you’re Baltimore-bound for Bouchercon or any other reason, try to visit the Pratt. It’s a lovely space and a terrific library. I ended up writing about the library off and on at the Sun. The Baltimore City system has an interesting counterpoint in the county system, which caters to public taste above all, and I think locals benefit from having the two systems side-by-side. In fact, I grew up using both — Pratt Central for my serious research needs, along with two small branches near our home and then the county branch in Catonsville for most of my recreational needs.
Meanwhile, I’ll add several favorite books on film to Marc’s recommendation: all of Pauline Kael, John Waters’ Shock Value (an overall memoir, but very funny and informative about his early career), The Devil’s Candy, David Thomson’s The New Biographical Dictionary of Film and Kevin Murphy’s “A Year at the Movies,” in which Murphy (of MST3K fame) committed himself to going to the movies every day for a year, back in 2001. I’m a sucker for books such as this, enjoyed Sara Nelson’s “So Many Books, So Little Time, too.
I still go every week. We have four venues tht show art and indie movies so there’s usually something. At home, I tend to read through rentals or give up the first time I’m bored. I finish only 25% at home. I’ve only walked out on two movies at a theater. I need to find a way to read at theaters so I finish more books.
To everyone mentioning being old, we use it to our advantage with the movies. We are able to go during the afternoons when there aren’t many people in the theaters doing offensive things. There is just something about seeing a film up on that big screen.
Granted, films for adults are few and far between. I include Dreamgirls, Hairspray,the Bourne films or Ratatoullie on the list. These are not necessarily aimed at our market, but that’s OK. Once upon a time in a land far away, many films were aimed at a broad market and not just a specific demographic.
And while we are talking Herzog, RESCUE DAWN is easily the best movie I’ve seen this year.
Movies are like baseball…the times when we were younger were always “the golden age.”
Hollywood always put out a ton of junk–in fact, today’s stars actually get to choose their movies, unlike those in the olden days. (If you doubt that, take a look at the tail end of the careers of Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper–the movies they made after they’d become legendary. “Battle Circus,” anyone?)
Granted, some years are lean years…but not every year is 1939. And if you’re looking for a “golden age,” we’re in one right now for documentaries. “Spellbound,” a completely obscure, profound doc called “51 Birch Street,” Jonathan Demme’s Neil Young film, some of Werner Herzog’s recent documentaries, and several others are among my favorite movies of the past decade.
People text messaging or talking loudly during movies…well, that drives me as crazy as anyone. I just wonder if, as they watched the newsreels and comedy shorts and cliffhanger serials before the main features back in the 1930s and ’40s, audiences were as silent as we’d like to believe. My Dad recalled them as being pretty rowdy.
I was just thinking of your impressive knowledge of film, and wondering why half the time I can’t even remember that movie with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell is called “Overboard”.
I am looking forward to living in one place for three months so I can netflix, too. Watching movies on computers is NO reason to get a PC.
The Pratt is wonderful. As a kid, trips to it were rare but I loved them and viewed them as trips to an exciting and exotic destination–free public access to all that beauty and knowledge!!!. And the Pratt memories of the Pratt definitely get some of the credit for my late in life career change from lawyer to librarian.
I hardly ever go to the movies but this summer I went twice. I saw Ratatoullie and Hairspray and loved them both and so now am beginning to think that my reluctance to go to the movies is a mistake.
Thanks for the compliments on Pratt – it’s always nice to hear.
Back to Aguirre. Pratt Central and our New Southeast Branch each have 2 Free-Loan 1 week copies of Aguirre.
They’d be glad to hold a copy for you; if you really need the answer you’re probably going to have to look at Aguirre again – Ursual gets killed midway through so it shouldn’t take so long. None of the sources I checked had a detailed enough synopsis.
I probably checked some of the same sources as Marc!
The Wikipedia entry on the movie is worth checking, though, for some of the hair-raising tales about the making of the film. Herzog filmed it chronologically, so the actors would go mad at the same pace as the characters they were playing; a flood that destroyed all the rafts was incorporated into the film, as was the building of new ones; the entire film cost $370,000 to make, a third of which was Klaus Kinski’s salary.
They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. Of course, they never did before, either.
Well, Maria Callas used to embarrass her friends by talking through movies–gasping in surprise or outrage, giving a running commentary on wardrobe, shouting at the heroine to turn around and see the villain before it was too late, etc., which is similar to a lot of the non-phone chatter I hear in movies these days. It’s often “Rocky Horror” writ large.
Movies may simply seem “worse” to us middle aged gits because we are not in the target demographic, which now seems to have a median of sixteen. Also, as the line between television and film blurs, I think we bring our living-room behavior to the theatre, whether we be noisy or silent. And read accounts of both the hoi polloi and the elite at operas and theatres and music halls in the 18th and 19th and even 20th centuries–little hushed respect or reverence there.
I often go to the movies with my 14 year-old son–it’s nice that he’s not yet hideously embarrassed to be seen with his parental units, though those days are numbered–since May I’ve been to the midnight openings of Pirate and Harry Potter, and then the Simpsons and Superbad at less traumatic hours. The last was an interesting cultural experience–groups of late-teen/early twenty male friends actually sitting next to each other (without the homophobic empty seat between) laughing their heads off at the pain of being male.
Other than that, we watch television via Netflix–we gorge ourselves on back-to-back episodes of The Wire, Deadwood and now Rome–movies may be worse, but television is better than it’s ever been.
Movies have changed but for me, it is the audiences that have changed the most and made movie going a bad experience. Why am I paying $10 when people are talking on cell phones, bringing babies or small children to movies expressly not for babies or small children or just talking to their companion(s) during the movie? It is a difficult decision if the film is not an “art” film – generally(not always) those audiences are better. And I have gotten old so I know these things bother me more.
Yep, same here, Andrea. I’ve gotten old. I’d much rather rent a movie and watch it in the peace and quiet of home than “share” the experience with almost any theater audience. Sadly, have never seen Aguirre, the Wrath of God so no help there.
I’ve seen more movies this year in the theater than ever before in my life, mainly because my children love movies, are not yet quite old enough to get there on their own, and have very different tastes. So I’ve seen Pirates, Spiderman, Ocean’s, Simpsons, Transformers, etc, with my son, Hairspray, Dreamgirls, etc, with my daughter (actually, there has been some overlap)….then there’s the fact that I’m a fan of a certain kind of Hollywood movie myself, so add Die Hard and Bourne to the list…and we’ve got a film center in my town, so I can catch up with The Lives of Others, Army of Shadows, etc.
I can tolerate the multiplex, and I do still enjoy seeing movies on the big screen.
It rings a distant bell, Laura, but I can’t remember whether Ursua in Aguirre holds something that is never revealed. I last saw the movie just a couple of years ago, but I can’t bring back that memory.
I visited the rainforest partly because of that film. There’s a sound in the jungle, an amazing shrieking birdcall, and when I went to Peru in 1984 it was all around us in the forest. But you could never see the caller! Finally I lost patience and went charging off the trail, through brush undoubtedly infested with scorpions, poisonous snakes, and I got a glimpse of the bird–a brownish thing blinking myopically at me from a low branch.
It’s called the Screaming Piha. If you watch the movie, you’ll see why.
I’m much happier seeing films at home now. If I’m going to shell out anywhere from $10 to $20 for the experience, I’d much rather have the comfort of my own home, the polite manners of my family, food and drink of my choice and hey, a souvenir copy of the film with all kinds of extra features.
That being said, I’ve been watching more TV on DVD of late. There haven’t been very many films that have excited me in the last few years, big screen or small. And, not counting shows at my own theatre company, it’s safe to say I’ve seen more live theatre than big screen movies in the last ten years. And at that, even lousy live theatre has been more consistently entertaining, even if only for the “oh my God, what were they thinking?” factor.
So no, I think the movies have definitely changed. Technology has helped, whether the ease of DVDs or the rudeness of cell phones. But the IQ of major films has been trending downward for years. (Sorry, couldn’t resist actually using the phrase “trending downward” in a proper context. Won’t let it happen again.) Even art films aren’t what they used to be. And that’s a shame.
I agree with David. The quality of movies has been declining steadily to today’s pathetic level. Most American films are not creative works of art. They don’t even attempt to be. They are produced using wornout, but successful formulas to reach the broadest possible audience. So, excellent acting, intriguing ideas, even a good story are all out the window when the goal is $. Going to the movies is not a pleasant, thoughtful, and stimulating experience. The last time I remember fellow movie-goers enhancing the experience was when I saw “The Crying Game” (group-gasp!).
So I miss seeing good movies in dark movie houses where one can get totally immersed in the story and the visual and audio environment. Besides….I always seem to fall asleep watching movies at home on dvd. Maybe that’s age.
We’re old and movies these days tend to suck, PLUS the theaters show COMMERCIALS! Ever since I was offended by this trend a couple of years ago, I’ve been boycotting seeing movies at the theatre. At least at home, I can mute them, fast forward or whatever. In the theatre, I’m a captive audience and I just refuse (do you hear me, PTB?) to participate in this sham.
Aren’t the movies and technology one and the same these days?
Loved Aguirre, but saw it so many years ago that I can’t help. Sorry.
Unfortunately, though I think Aguirre is one of Herzog’s best, my memory isn’t so good anymore (though I’ll never forget the final images – esp. effective on the big screen -note to those who refuse to go out to see movies anymore). These links (sorry for the length, but they should copy and paste) may lead you to something.
Movie Review Query Engine (links to 46 reviews)
http://www.mrqe.com/lookup?aguirre+wrath+of+god
Pacific Film Archives
http://www.mip.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/cine_film_detail.pl/cine_img?705+7412+7043+705+8483+19798+20294+14930+23462+7351+23395+1977+4229+6237+18755+1397+2275+30544
SensesofCinema
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/cteq/01/19/aguirre.html
(As I’m a reference librarian at Pratt Central, I can now count this as a reference question (:-)
As one who is sometimes accused of going to the movies too often (though I look at plenty at home), I can attest to the superiority of seeing a film – esp. for the first time in a theater – providing that the projection is OK and the audience is reasonably well behaves)
Laura, you might look at what I think is the most interesting book on the person filmgoing experience,
Moving Places, a sort of memoir by Jonathan Rosenbaum, one of the best film critics in the US (Chicago Reader, etc.) He speaks about viewing movies at different times in his life.
I have seen all your movies … The Queen, Blades of Glory, The Simpsons, and Hairspray as well as Pirates of the Carribean, I took my inner 13 year old.
When I worked at The Times the movie critic always gave us free passes, and we went to the movies every week.. I miss it.
It depends on the 13 year old. But I think Superbad might be a bit over the top. Max, at 14, was definitely a bit young–there was certainly a lot of debriefing on the way home. I’m quiet as a mouse in movies, but in the first 10 minutes of Superbad I know I gasped audibly, groaned and covered my face a couple of times. But I didn’t have to cover Max’s. I think it’s really meant for boys who have already experienced one of those confusingly close friendships with another boy and come through the break-up with a sense of humor. There are lots of penis jokes, which are far funnier than vagina jokes. Overall, it wasn’t misogynist, just very penis-centered. Reminded me a little of American Graffiti, but cruder, much cruder. There was a nice review of Superbad a few weeks ago in the New Yorker.
“There are lots of penis jokes, which are far funnier than vagina jokes. Overall, it wasn’t misogynist, just very penis-centered.”
Diana, you are my new favorite critic. Seriously. I think we’ll hold off on “Superbad” for a while, at least as far as the 13-year-old is concerned. He can sneak into it on his own, like a proper teenager.
You should complain to Netflix about the delay in getting things set up for Mac viewers. It’s not fair.
Diana,
Would you recommend Superbad for a 13-year-old? We weren’t sure. We’re about to start him on The Wire, though.
you definitely aren’t old. I rarely go to movies anymore. When I make the mistake and see movies like “License to Wed” I’m reminded WHY. Although Bourne Ultimatum was fantastic. But movies have stopped being important to me. I think it’s prices, and just – time. I find myself with a bigger desire to re-watch some of my classic favorites and just forget the rest.
I love going to the movies. My husband is a former film producer/writer so he will grudgingly go with me to check them out. Besides that, I’m addicted to movie theatre popcorn. I have to admit though that lately there hasn’t been much out there that I want to see. We did go to La Vie En Rose and thought it was good but depressing. I don’t think I’m going to make it to Hairspray until it hits the dollar theatre though. Left to his own devices, The Mister would stay home and watch WWII movies on tv. I always ruin the end for him though by telling him that we won the war!
Marika–
Can you share which movie critic gave you the free passes? (Yes, I realize that could be construed as a way to find out how long you’ve had your inner thirteen-year-old.)
For a while, my wife and I worked for a magazine published by the same company that owned American Film. (Which was edited by Peter Biskind, who wrote “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” I mean, “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls”) Anyway, they used to give us tickets to all the previews they had no interest in or couldn’t make, which meant that I saw obscure movies like “The Mission” (with Robert De Niro)and “Making Mr. Right (anyone remember that one?!), and an occasional suprise gem, like “Something Wild.”
I don’t see as many movies as I used to (sometimes 3 a week), but that’s because of the kids. My son is old enough to go to the movies now, but instead of seeing films like THE LOOKOUT, I get to see RATATOUILLE. I have been checking out the films that are coming out later this year and I can’t wait to see them – if I can sneak away. The theater experience has changed, but there’s nothing like being in a big audience for a great movie. I did see the latest Harry Potter movie in IMax 3-D, which was really cool.
For books on film, Kael’s FOR KEEPS is a great resource; Steven Soderbergh’s GETTING AWAY WITH IT: THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE LUCKIEST BASTARD YOU EVER SAW is wonderful; Robert Rodriquez’s REBEL WITHOUT A CREW; David’ Mamet’s ON DIRECTING FILM (also a great reference for writers); PICTURE by Lillian Ross (a classic); THE DEVIL’S CANDY as mentioned before; EASY RIDERS AND RAGING BULLS by I can’t think of his name Biskind?, he also write DOWN AND DIRTY PICTURES; ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE (a must) and it’s sequel WHICH LIE DID I TELL? by William Goldman; SPIKE, MIKE, SLACKERS & DYKES by Pearson (sp?) and any of the making-of books about Spike Lee’s early films. There are also some great books by producers: HELLO, HE LIED by Linda (can’t think of her last name) as well as YOU’LL NEVER EAT LUNCH IN THIS TOWN AGAIN by Phillips. THE BATTLE OF BRAZIL. And the collection of Roger Ebert’s reviews – but only for the movies that he thought sucked. He’s such a bitch when it comes to trashing movies. Oops, just looked over this list – can you tell I’m a movie freak?
Making Mr. Right — John Malkovich and the very cool redhead who later showed up on that sitcom with Richard Lewis and Jamie Lee Curtis?
(Off the top of my head, natural, to quote the Evening Sun editorial assistant Johnny Ketchum.)
Good job, Laura! I had to go to IMDB and remind myself that the actress was Ann Magnuson. And Laurie Metcalf, one of my faves, was in it too.
I’d also forgotten that it was directed by Susan Seidelman, right after “Desperately Seeking Susan.”
Ah, the movies! I remember when $.50 bought a ticket, popcorn, soda and a hot dog and you could sit through each showing as often as you wanted, even the double features. Does anyone remember double features? This was 1960′s era segregated movies in Florida and kids matinees. I don’t remember any of those movies except for when The Ten Commandments came to town and my father took me and my brothers to see it as a supplement to what we were learning in Sunday School. Even now I think of Charlton Heston as the real Moses and remember being in awe at the parting of the sea (early cinematic special effects).
When the movie theaters were desegregated in the mid sixties (yes, I know this will come as a shock to some of you), I got to go to the “white” theaters where it cost a little more, was a lot cleaner and I learned to endure the stares of those who thought this black teenager was out of place. I remember seeing James Bond in Goldfinger (how could she breathe under all that gold paint?), The Thomas Crown Affair and Alfie. Oddly, the old “white” theaters are now gone and the “black” ones are in newly gentrified areas in the new downtown. I just got back from a trip to Florida. Everything is so different now.
I saw Aguirre just this summer on the big screen – took my 19-year-old son who came out shaking his head “Wow”. Now that I think of it, Ursua probably did keep his hand clenched – if I’d known that tidbit before going I’d have watched for it.
A TV or computer will never compare with the huge screen in the dark room, and if you go to GOOD movies the audience will be appreciative all around you.
2 years ago I saw the Russian version of War & Peace (7 hours, shown in 2 sessions) on the big screen – at the time the most expensive movie ever made, with huge set-pieces of battles with thousands of extras (and Moscow burned). Incredible.
For a perspective on movies always being dumb, read Luis Bunuel’s “My Last Sigh” – wonderful!
This has been the most amazing thread. Reminds me that I never know what’s going to strike a chord.