Every Man for Himself and God Against All: A Memoir

Every Man for Himself and God Against All: A Memoir

Werner Herzog, Michael Hofmann

4.25(3664 readers)
Legendary filmmaker and celebrated author Werner Herzog tells in his inimitable voice the story of his epic artistic career in a long-awaited memoir that is as inventive and daring as anything he has done before

Werner Herzog was born in September 1942 in Munich, Germany, at a turning point in the Second World War. Soon Germany would be defeated and a new world would have to be made out the rubble and horrors of the war. Fleeing the Allied bombing raids, Herzog’s mother took him and his older brother to a remote, rustic part of Bavaria where he would spend much of his childhood hungry, without running water, in deep poverty. It was there, as the new postwar order was emerging, that one of the most visionary filmmakers of the next seven decades was formed.

Until age 11, Herzog did not even know of the existence of cinema. His interest in films began at age 15, but since no one was willing to finance them, he worked the night shift as a welder in a steel factory. He started to travel on foot. He made his first phone call at age 17, and his first film in 1961 at age 19. The wildly productive working life that followed—spanning the seven continents and encompassing both documentary and fiction—was an adventure as grand and otherworldly as any depicted in his many classic films .

Every Man for Himself and God Against All is at once a personal record of one of the great and self-invented lives of our time, and a singular literary masterpiece that will enthrall fans old and new alike. In a hypnotic swirl of memory, Herzog untangles and relives his most important experiences and inspirations, telling his story for the first and only time.

Publisher

Penguin

Publication Date

10/10/2023

ISBN

9780593490297

Pages

368

Categories

Arts

About the Author

Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog (born Werner Stipetić) is a German film director, screenwriter, actor, and opera director.

He is often associated with the German New Wave movement (also called New German Cinema), along with Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Margarethe von Trotta, Volker Schlöndorff, Wim Wenders and others. His films often feature heroes with impossible dreams, or people with unique talents in obscure fields.

Questions & Answers

Werner Herzog intertwines his personal experiences, family history, and cinematic endeavors throughout his memoir by narrating his life's journey through the lens of his films. He reveals his creative process by discussing his early inspirations, such as his fascination with the cosmos and his experiences with extreme situations, which often find their way into his films. His family history, particularly his grandparents' stories, shapes his understanding of identity and history, influencing his films' thematic depth. Herzog's narrative also reflects his worldview, which is characterized by a deep curiosity about the human condition, a respect for nature, and a belief in the transformative power of art. His exploration of truth, reality, and the limits of human understanding are central to his work, as seen in his films' exploration of the extraordinary and the ordinary. Herzog's memoir thus serves as a testament to his lifelong pursuit of understanding the world through storytelling and visual art.

Werner Herzog's films and personal life are deeply intertwined with themes of transcendence, the unknown, and the risks of pursuing passions. His films often depict characters facing extreme situations, embodying a desire for transcendence. For instance, "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" portrays a quest for the mythical city of El Dorado, reflecting the human yearning for the unknown and the divine. Herzog's documentaries, like "Cave of Forgotten Dreams," explore ancient cave paintings, symbolizing the quest for understanding the unknown past.

In his life, Herzog's adventures and filmmaking often involve risks. The production of "Fitzcarraldo" was fraught with challenges, including lost negatives and treacherous jungle conditions. His documentaries, such as "Into the Abyss," often delve into the depths of human darkness, showcasing the risks associated with exploring the unknown. Herzog's willingness to face these risks and his unwavering pursuit of his passions illustrate the risks and rewards of seeking transcendence and understanding the unknown.

Werner Herzog employs mythological figures, historical events, and personal experiences to weave narratives that blur the lines between reality and fiction. He often intertwines these elements to create a sense of the extraordinary, the enigmatic, and the otherworldly. In "Every Man for Himself and God Against All," he recounts his life and work, intertwining personal anecdotes with historical accounts and mythological references to create a narrative that is both personal and universal.

Herzog's approach to storytelling suggests a belief in the power of storytelling to reveal deeper truths about the human condition. By intertwining personal experiences with broader historical and mythological contexts, he suggests that individual stories are part of a larger tapestry of human experience. This method allows him to explore themes of fate, destiny, and the human struggle against the forces of nature and history. Herzog's storytelling style, therefore, reflects a commitment to the exploration of profound questions through the lens of personal narrative, suggesting that the boundaries between fact and fiction are fluid and that both are essential to understanding the human story.

Herzog's reflections on historical and cultural moments, such as German reunification and the impact of World War II, significantly contribute to the themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. His narrative intertwines personal experiences with broader historical events, illustrating how individual lives are shaped by larger historical forces. His exploration of his family's history, including his father's Nazism and his own experiences during the war, highlights the complex nature of identity and the legacy of historical events. Herzog's focus on memory, particularly collective memory, underscores the idea that history is not just a series of events but a living, evolving narrative that shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. His reflections also underscore the human condition, revealing the resilience and adaptability of humans in the face of adversity, as well as the capacity for both great evil and profound goodness. Through his narrative, Herzog invites readers to consider the interconnectedness of individual lives and the broader historical tapestry, emphasizing the universal aspects of the human experience.

Werner Herzog believes that art and creativity are essential in facing adversity and navigating the complexities of modern life. He views art as a means to explore the human condition, confront existential questions, and offer a sense of meaning and purpose. Herzog exemplifies these beliefs in his work through his unconventional and often risky filmmaking methods, which often involve extreme locations and situations.

In his films, Herzog often delves into themes of isolation, the unknown, and the human struggle. For instance, "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" explores the quest for power and the futility of human ambition, while "Fitzcarraldo" challenges the limits of human endeavor. His documentaries, like "Grizzly Man," delve into the depths of human psychology and the natural world, highlighting the fragility and resilience of life.

Herzog's work also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the collective spirit. He often works with non-actors and local communities, allowing their stories and perspectives to be heard. This collaborative approach reflects his belief in the power of shared experiences to foster understanding and empathy.

In summary, Herzog believes that art and creativity play a crucial role in society by providing a means to explore the human condition, confront adversity, and foster a sense of connection and understanding. He exemplifies these beliefs through his innovative and thought-provoking films that often push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

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