The Werner Herzog Klaus Kinski Clash: Aguirre, the Wrath of God

Hangings, cannibalism, decapitation... these are just a few things featured in one of the greatest foreign (German) films ever to grace the screen, "Aguirre, the Wrath of God." Yet this brutality is aptly grounded in humanity, with rich literary depth, as writer/director Werner Herzog (who managed to pound out the screenplay in a mere 2 ½ days) greatly succeeds in approaching the subject matter from a postmodern perspective. I.e., the metaphors presented are best interpreted as a clash between cultural ambition, natural elements, and religion-all of which come to a boil with the main character, Spanish conquistador Aguirre, portrayed by the notorious Klaus Kinski in one of his most harrowing performances. The setting is the Amazon jungle, and the year is 1560.

The conquistadors are searching for a legendary land of gold called El Dorado. Before long, the tumultuous journey through the hills and rivers causes great conflict, and a mutiny is led by the sinister Aguirre, who will stop at nothing to find El Dorado.

One of the most interesting things about Aguirre, the Wrath of God, however, is Klaus Kinski's role off-screen. Klaus Kinski's persona often shadowed him and, aside from him being one of the most difficult personalities to work with (in and outside of Germany), Kinski threatened to walk away from the film after a substantial portion had already been filmed. In fact, Kinski's threat warranted quite a reaction from Herzog; he told Kinski that, if Kinski did indeed walk off the set (and out of the jungle), two shots would be fired-one into Kinski's back, and one into his own head. It was actually rumored for years that Herzog held a gun at Kinski off-screen, to make sure he performed properly.

That is not to say, however, that the conflict on-screen isn't equally as insane. In every scene of Aguirre, the Wrath of God, something extremely meaningful is either lost or gained. When viewers see men starving, counting their last grains, and at the same time a king stuffing himself with fruits and fish, it's practically laughable it's so entertaining. That says a lot about the pace of the script too; if viewers can be greatly entertained by men suffering through insanity, there's a great film at hand.

But what's definitely the most entertaining aspect of Aguirre, the Wrath of God, is the illusion of greed that drives the conquistadors' commander, Aguirre. Kinski, in all his glory, makes the small amount of dialogue-and this will surely sound clichéd-worth its weight in gold. That isn't to say that Kinski entirely makes the film, a lot of the credit should go to Herzog just for dealing with him.

Although it's a somewhat slower film, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, should be seen by anyone who loves a historical flick. It should be studied too-because everyone can learn something from watching this captivating man on film.