Even Dwarfs Started Small

Auch Zwerge haben klein angefangen / Even Dwarfs Started Small (1969-1970) comes from the visionary mind of Werner Herzog. It's very strange, as might be expected from Herzog. The entire cast consists of German little people, mostly dwarves, but also midgets. There's an atavistic rebellion going on, a range of seemingly pointless violent acts combined with odd bits of humor (note: few have ever characterized German artists as being all-out comedians). A blind person is harrassed, and chaos reigns -- just like in the rest of the world, I suppose. Sheila's recent post inspired me to remember to make a note of it.

One of the most memorable Herzog images is a recurrent one: driverless vehicles going around and around in circles. Another common element is the use of thoroughly bizarre and often maddening music; lastly, focusing on odd animal behavior. He seems fascinated by chickens in particular. Go figure. What I hate and like about Herzog is -- you can't forget his movies even if, occasionally, you want to.

Auf Wiedersehen!