Watch Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams is a 1982 documentary film directed by Les Blank, that chronicles the making of Werner Herzog's 1982 film Fitzcarraldo, which starred Klaus Kinski and Claudia Cardinale. The movie was shot entirely in the Amazonian rainforest, which made it very challenging to shoot. The documentary shows the brutal conditions endured by the cast and crew of Fitzcarraldo in their attempts to complete the ambitious project. It also showcases the many obstacles that plagued the production, such as the difficult terrain and inclement weather, which often resulted in accidents and illness among the cast and crew. For example, people were injured, snakes and spiders invaded the sets and equipment stopped working.

The film highlights Herzog’s relentless drive to complete the project despite the many hurdles he faced. He is seen as a fearless director who is determined to create a masterpiece despite the extreme difficulties of shooting in such a remote location. He is, at once, passionate about filmmaking and committed to capturing new and unique perspectives in the film.

The documentary does not shy away from showing the conflict that Herzog and Kinski experienced on the set of Fitzcarraldo. Kinski was notorious for his difficult behavior, and he clashed with Herzog several times during the filming. Nevertheless, the documentary also reveals the deep creativity and power that Kinski brought to his acting. The documentary reflects how Kinski's acting was one of the main reasons for Fitzcarraldo's memorable depiction of a ruthless explorer who sought to transport a boat over a mountain.

Overall, Burden of Dreams is a remarkable documentary that stands on its own as a masterpiece of the form. The film provides a fascinating look at the making of a classic and it is a wonderful way for fans of Fitzcarraldo to gain insight beyond the film. It shows the efforts of a group of dedicated individuals who were willing to go through hell to create something truly special, enduring sheer hardship to bring their vision to life. We also see that the genius of the project, along with how the director and the lead actor worked together, could help produce a work of art.

The film is notable for its amazing photography, which captures the beauty and harsh nature of the Amazonian rainforest. The imagery is breathtaking and gives the viewer a great idea of the enormity of Herzog's vision. The cinematography is a testament to the efforts of both the crew and the director, who acted as their leader every step of the way.

In the end, Burden of Dreams is a must-see for anyone who is interested in filmmaking or in the great lengths artists are willing to go to fulfill their visions. It is an excellent documentary that provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the making of a classic, and the price of artistic expression. It is a testament to the sheer will and tenacity required to create great art and is an absolute joy to watch.

Burden of Dreams is a 1982 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.