Herzog reflects on the curiosity that's fueled his career in the memoir, Every Man for Himself and God Against All, now out in paperback. The filmmaker and writer is drawn to extremes: extreme characters, extreme settings, extreme scenarios. But don't mistake him for a mad man like some of his film subjects: "You have to control what is wild in you. You have to be disciplined. And people think I'm the wild guy out there but I'm a disciplined professional," he tells Terry Gross.Film critic Justin Chang reviews Queer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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This is Fresh Air. I'm Tanya Mosley. Werner Herzog is a writer and director known for his unique approach to storytelling that often delves into the extremes, extreme personalities, predicaments, and places. Aguirre, The Wrath of God, follows a mad conquistador in the 16th century as he navigates the treacherous Amazon jungle.
Then there's Fitzcarraldo, where Herzog tells the story of a European man living in Peru who becomes obsessed with bringing opera to the Amazon. To achieve his dream, he faces an incredible challenge, getting a steamship over a mountain to reach a river. It's a wild premise, and it's made even more intense by the performances of Klaus Kinski, who plays a madman in both films.
Kinski also starred in Herzog's haunting version of Nosferatu and appeared in the documentary Grizzly Man, which tells the tragic story of a man who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska, believing he was protecting them, until one day a bear eats him. Herzog's own life has been shaped by extremes, too.
Born in Munich during World War II, his mother rescued him as a baby from his crib, which was covered in shattered glass and debris after Allied bombs devastated nearby homes. His mother fled to a remote part of Bavaria for safety, where she raised him and his brother in poverty. Throughout his life, Herzog has endured numerous injuries, ski jumping, and while making films.
His cast and crew have faced their share of challenges, too. Those who may not be familiar with Herzog's films often recognize him for his sinister roles in popular shows like Jack Reacher, The Mandalorian, and even The Simpsons. Today, Herzog divides his time between Los Angeles and Munich, and Terry Gross spoke to him last year. His memoir is now available in paperback.
It's called Every Man for Himself and God Against All.
Werner Herzog, welcome back to Fresh Air.
Thank you for having me again.
Oh, it is always my pleasure. Do you know why you're attracted to extremes in your life and in your films?
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