Search - On the Ecstasy of Ski-Flying: Werner Herzog in Conversation with Karen Beckman on DVD

Signs Of Life

Dr Lawrence Hauser | NYC, NY USA | 08/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although perhaps not the ultimate Werner Herzog interview, this hour-long presentation of his thoughts and opinions on a wide range of both esoteric and quite personal topics held my interest from start to finish. One serious problem, however, was that the interview was conducted with the participants standing in front of the audience. This seemed an uncomfortable arrangement, particularly for Herzog, who looked like he would have been so much happier seated in a well-constructed chair. But I thought Karen Beckman asked a series of provocative questions to which Herzog gave his full attention and strove to answer in an always unique and surprising manner. He can be quite funny, I discovered, as when commenting on the possibility of aliens visiting our planet or when describing attempts to calm his wife's fear of flying during severe turbulence at high altitude. I also learned a few startling things as the interview progressed. Herzog, it turns out, does not dream. And he is a great admirer of Fred Astaire. For the reason why, don't miss this intriguing interview which has now been released on DVD for those Herzog devotees, like myself, who seem never to be able to get enough of the man."