Watch Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe Online

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe

Where to Watch Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe

NR
1980

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a fascinating short documentary showcasing one of the most iconic acts in the history of cinema, where Werner Herzog, the celebrated German director who is known for his unconventional style and philosophical undertones in his work, plays the role of himself, coming through on an unusual promise he had made earlier. This movie can easily be seen as an epitome of avant-garde filmmaking, containing within its brief running time, a rare spectacle, which is a blend of absurdism mixed with profound observations about the nature of art, cinema and the resolve of the human spirit. At the surface level, it's an eccentric, unbelievable adventure, but dig a little deeper and it serves as an embodiment of Herzog's inspiring commitment to his belief.

The 1980 documentary is directed by Les Blank, an American filmmaker who is known for his documentaries capturing folk culture and musical documentaries, manages to weave a compelling narrative around Herzog's shoe-eating antics. The film co-stars Tom Luddy and Michael Goodwin. It begins by building the context of the crazy bet and gradually peels off layers to not only document the act itself but also Herzog's underlying philosophy.

Throughout the brief runtime of this unique movie, audiences can see Herzog in his rawest form. While most know him as an auteur of ‘New German Cinema’, this film presents him as a man of action, ready to fulfill a promise he made, no matter how absurd it might seem. Tom Luddy, an innovative film producer, and Michael Goodwin, a film critic, join Herzog on this strange journey, offering both guiding and questioning conversations throughout the film that provide fascinating insights about the nature of creativity and the value of commitments.

The movie adeptly chronicles the event leading up to Herzog cooking and eating his shoe, thus fulfilling a bet he made with budding filmmaker Errol Morris, promising that if Morris completed his film (Gates of Heaven), Herzog would eat his own shoe. When Morris indeed made the film, Herzog, being a man of his word, decided to keep his promise. The proceedings were documented by Les Blank, thus giving birth to this one-of-a-kind cinematic spectacle.

However, the documentary isn’t merely about the literal eating of a shoe. It frames the act within the philosophical parameters set forth by Herzog himself, unveiling profound layers that dig into the soul of artistry, the pain and joy of creativity, and the boundless human spirit. It's a testament to Herzog's faith in the defining power of cinema, a form of rebellion against the existing television culture, and an underlined urge to go beyond the boundaries of comfort for the sake of art.

Despite the strange undertones of the plot, the documentary is strangely captivating. Blank's amiable observational style imbues the film with a sense of authenticity that reflects Herzog's dedication and unshakeable resolve to live up to his words and beliefs. Unlike other films which tend to dramatize content, this documentary stays loyal to its subject matter, providing a raw, unfiltered view of the spectacle.

Another peculiar yet unique aspect of the film is the sense of humor it carries. Amid calculations about cooking temperature, leather digestion, and profound dialogue, there's a constant undercurrent of disbelief and amusement. This blend of humor and intensity makes Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe a mesmerizing experience, wrapping larger-than-life ideas within the premise of an absurd bet.

Bringing together an eclectic blend of elements, Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a piece of cinema that is both captivating and thought-provoking, which is as unconventional as the very act of Herzog eating his shoe. While encapsulating the essence of Herzog’s larger-than-life persona, the film serves as a tribute to the transformative power of art and the sheer indomitable spirit of an artist committed to his word. Overall, it's a short film that leaves a long-lasting impression and gives an unique insight into Herzog as a person, and his philosophy about cinema as an art form.

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a Documentary, Comedy movie released in 1980. It has a runtime of 20 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.2..

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7.2/10
Director
Les Blank
Stars
Werner Herzog, , Tom Luddy, Michael Goodwin, Alice Waters