Watch Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a 1980 documentary film directed by Les Blank, chronicling the legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog's promise to eat his shoe if Errol Morris ever completed his first film, Gates of Heaven. The film begins with Herzog stating that he will eat his shoe if Morris finishes his project. The idea came up during a discussion between the two filmmakers at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley, California. Morris had been struggling to complete his documentary about pet cemeteries, and Herzog, who was teaching at the time, proposed the wager as a means of motivating Morris to finish the film.

As the documentary unfolds, we see Herzog in his kitchen, preparing the shoe for cooking. He washes it thoroughly and then marinates it in a mixture of garlic, onions, and other seasonings. He then boils it for several hours, while a crowd of onlookers watches in amazement.

Throughout the documentary, we see snippets of Herzog's life and career. We see him talking about his philosophy of filmmaking, and his belief that a director must be willing to take risks and even endanger his or her own life in pursuit of art. We also see him interacting with his friends and colleagues, including film producer Tom Luddy and longtime collaborator Michael Goodwin.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film shows Herzog putting the shoe in his mouth and taking a bite. The crowd cheers and applauds as Herzog chews and swallows the shoe. He then takes another bite, washing it down with a glass of red wine.

Overall, Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a fascinating and entertaining documentary that sheds light on the creative process and the relationship between two iconic filmmakers. It is also a testament to Herzog's willingness to follow through on his promises, no matter how ridiculous they may seem.

Throughout the film, Herzog is shown as a larger-than-life figure, with a fierce determination and a deep passion for filmmaking. He comes across as a visionary who is not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible in cinema.

The documentary is also notable for its use of humor and irony. Despite the absurdity of the premise, there is a serious message underlying the film about the importance of perseverance and commitment to one's art.

In conclusion, Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a must-see documentary for any film lover. It is a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, and a testament to the power of creative passion and determination. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth checking out.

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a 1980 documentary with a runtime of 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.