Werner Herzog Unveils Eccentric New Film 'Bucking Fastard' at Venice Festival

At 84 years old, acclaimed director Werner Herzog continues to surprise audiences with his latest film, 'Bucking Fastard,' which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. This unique creation, blending bawdy comedy with an existential journey, features real-life sisters Kate and Rooney Mara as identical twins navigating love and ambition.

Herzog, known for his unconventional narrative style in films like 'Fitzcarraldo' and 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,' brings to life the story of Joan and Jean Holbrooke, who share not only their dreams but also a romantic interest in the charming character portrayed by Orlando Bloom. Shot in both Ireland and Slovenia’s famed caves, the film is a testament to Herzog's ability to draw out the best performances from his actors, a skill he has honed with talents like Klaus Kinski and Nicolas Cage.

Rejection from Cannes and a Chance at Venice

Originally slated for an out-of-competition showing at the Cannes Film Festival, Herzog chose to decline the invitation, expressing his desire for the Mara sisters to compete for acting awards. Instead, 'Bucking Fastard' found a home in Venice, where it is now vying for recognition from a jury led by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Despite some mixed reactions from the audience, Herzog remains optimistic about the film's reception and its future distribution in North America.

A New Approaches to Directing

During the film's production, Herzog experimented with rehearsals for the first time. However, he quickly realized that Kate and Rooney were already perfectly synchronized, achieving their rapport through childhood songs. This innovative method of preparation resulted in a mesmerizing performance that Herzog describes as unprecedented in cinema.

As Herzog reflects on his career and future projects, he reveals he is already nearing completion of his next film while also working on a comprehensive book documenting his cinematic journey. With a clear passion for filmmaking, Herzog shows no signs of slowing down, eager to continue exploring the depths of storytelling.

Source: www.indiewire.com