Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams is an extraordinary 1982 documentary directed by Les Blank, which provides an in-depth examination of the creation of Werner Herzog's world-renowned and critically acclaimed film, Fitzcarraldo. While Werner Herzog, Klaus Kinski, and Claudia Cardinale are the pivotal characters in Fitzcarraldo, they also appear as themselves in Burden Of Dreams, providing remarkable insight into the artistic process and the physical, logistical, and emotional challenges they encountered during the making of Fitzcarraldo.

More than a conventional 'making of' film, Burden Of Dreams explores the incredible lengths to which a filmmaker might go to translate his artistic vision onto the screen. The film delves into Herzog's relentless pursuit of perfection and his unyielding obsession to conquer the unforgiving Amazon rainforest as the backdrop for his magnum opus.

The documentary starts with the very ambitious and unique task that Herzog set for Fitzcarraldo and his team: to pull an actual steamship over a steep hill in the Amazon jungle. This mammoth task, though it seems impossible, symbolizes Herzog's own uphill struggle against numerous odds.

As the series of trials and tribulations unfold, we come to understand the passion, determination, and sheer will that Herzog carries. His resolve to overcome challenges - be it handling the mercurial temperament of his lead actor Klaus Kinski, managing the local tribespeople who form a significant part of the crew and cast, or reckoning with treacherous weather and harsh filming conditions - is truly astonishing.

Burden Of Dreams also offers a riveting, flesh-and-blood depiction of the notoriously volatile actor Klaus Kinski. His tumultuous relationship with Herzog adds a fascinating layer of tension and unpredictability to the documentary, further illuminating the unimaginable stress behind the scenes of Fitzcarraldo.

However, the documentary does not shy away from highlighting the tougher ethical questions posed by Herzog's endeavor. We witness the staggering commitments demanded of the local indigenous people and the upheaval caused to the natural environment. Through these eyes, the film subtly critiques the inherent problematics of such extravagant artistic vision, positing the question of what is the genuine "burden of dreams."

Moreover, the stunning cinematography of Burden of Dreams, often mimicking the immersive shots from Fitzcarraldo itself, allows the audience to comprehend the perilous splendor of the Amazon rainforest. From panoramic views of the endless river to the lush but unforgiving landscape surrounding the crew, the film serves as an equally captivating aesthetic experience.

Also, Claudia Cardinale, who plays the female lead in Fitzcarraldo, features in Burden Of Dreams, underlining the struggle and toil even the supporting cast had to endure during the making of the film.

Overall, Burden of Dreams not only unearths the behind-the-scenes chaos of Fitzcarraldo but provides an almost philosophical contemplation of the intersection between artistic inspiration and gritty reality. It delves into the psyche of an artist willing to push beyond the usual limits to actualize a creative vision.

In many ways, the documentary is a mirror to Herzog's film itself, underlining a parallel theme of ambition, dream, struggle, and at many points, the border of madness. It presents an absorbing study of the poetic, dangerous risks involved in dream-chasing, particularly in the world of filmmaking.

Ultimately, Burden of Dreams is not just a document of a film's making but a saga of uncompromising artistic pursuit, the undying human spirit, and the sacrifices required to breathe life into pure vision. It lays bare the conflict between human ambition and nature's might, told through the lens of one of the greatest filmmakers of our time.

Whether or not you've seen Fitzcarraldo, Burden of Dreams stands on its own as a compelling exploration of passion, creativity, human determination, and the inevitable clash between dreams and the harsh realities that accompany their pursuit.