Conquest of the Useless

Conquest of the Useless by Werner Herzog


ISBN
9780061575532
Published
Binding
Hardcover
Pages
320
Dimensions
152 x 229 x 27mm

Herzog's diaries from the making of Fitzcarraldo‚ a film production like no other and offers insight into the mind of one of the most revered filmmakers of our time.

Fitzcarraldo‚ written and directed by Werner Herzog‚ stars Klaus Kinski as the title character--a would-be rubber baron Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald‚ an Irishman called Fitzcarraldo in Peru‚ who has to pull a steamship over a steep hill in order to access a rich rubber territory. The film is derived from the real-life story of Peruvian rubber baron Carlos Fermín Fitzcarrald.

In his autobiographical film Portrait Werner Herzog‚ Herzog has stated that the film's spectacular production was an incredible ordeal. It famously involved moving a 320-ton steamship over a hill without the use of special effects. Herzog believes that no one has ever performed a similar feat in history‚ and likely never will again‚ calling himself "Conquistador of the Useless".

The casting of the film was also quite difficult. Jason Robards was originally cast in the title role‚ but he became ill and was forced to leave. Herzog then considered casting Jack Nicholson‚ and even playing Fitzcarraldo himself‚ before Klaus Kinski accepted the role. By that point‚ forty percent of shooting was complete and Herzog insisted on a total reshoot with Kinski. Mick Jagger was originally cast as Fitzcarraldo's assistant Wilbur‚ but his shooting schedule expired and he departed to tour with the Rolling Stones. Though none of the major cast members spoke English natively‚ the original soundtrack was recorded in English‚ as it was the only language common to the lead actors.

Klaus Kinski himself was a major source of tension‚ as he fought with Herzog and other members of the crew. In his documentary My Best Fiend‚ Herzog says that one of the local Peruvian chiefs who was an extra in the film offered to murder Kinski for him‚ but Herzog declined because he needed Kinski to complete filming. Les Blank's documentary Burden of Dreams‚ about the production of the film‚ also documents these many hardships.

Herzog won the 1982 Best Director at Cannes for the film‚ which was hailed by critics around the globe.
Christmas Catalogue 2024 x BookFrenzy
39.09
RRP: $45.99
15% off RRP


This product is unable to be ordered online. Please check in-store availability.
Instore Price: $45.99
Conquest of the Useless is Out of Print

Other Titles by Werner Herzog


You might also like

Three Women
22.99
19.54
15% Off
Question 7
35.00
29.75
15% Off
The Trauma Cleaner
24.99
21.24
15% Off
Maid
22.99
19.54
15% Off
My Friend Anne Frank
24.99
21.24
15% Off
For Life
34.99
29.74
15% Off
The Friday Afternoon Club
34.99
29.74
15% Off
Wed by the Wayside
34.99
29.74
15% Off
Strong Female Character
24.99
21.24
15% Off
Sassafras
34.99
29.74
15% Off
Tiny Beautiful Things
24.99
21.24
15% Off
Kitchen Sentimental
34.99
29.74
15% Off
Model Minority Gone Rogue
34.99
29.74
15% Off

RRP refers to the Recommended Retail Price as set out by the original publisher at time of release.
The RRP set by overseas publishers may vary to those set by local publishers due to exchange rates and shipping costs.
Due to our competitive pricing, we may have not sold all products at their original RRP.