Monday, March 19, 2012

Into the Abyss (2011)

Into the Abyss (2011)

Genre: Documentary
Director: Werner Herzog
Language: English
Duration: 107 min.
Rating: 7.8  

Summary:
In his fascinating exploration of a triple homicide case in Conroe, Texas, master filmmaker Werner Herzog probes the human psyche to explore why people kill-and why a state kills.



Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life, is a documentary written and directed by Werner Herzog. It premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Like with all of his documentaries, Herzog approaches the subject with his unique and inquisitive style to produce an absolutely chilling examination of life, death, and human nature. It follows the 2001 case of a triple homicide that occurred in Conroe, Texas, with archival footage, and interviews with the perpetrators and family members of the victims.
 
Although it is quite clear early on that he is anti-capital punishment, Herzog does not make the issue, the focus of his film. His own presence is kept to a minimum as well, never directly appearing on screen, nor even offering up his trademark wild and fascinating narrative speculations. Instead, Into the Abyss focuses mainly on a series of interviews, which are punctuated by strangely profound questions and answers, ones that only Werner Herzog would be capable of eliciting.

These interviews include an unsettling one on one with death row inmate Michael Perry, eight days before his execution. An outwardly cheery and forthcoming individual, the young looking Perry is all smiles and accommodating with his answers, but there is also something very creepy about the look in his eyes that I'm sure made the director glad that there was a thick glass wall in between them.

Other interviews with Perry's accomplice Jason Burkett, who is serving a 40 year sentence for his role in the killings, as well as Burkett's incarcerated father, along with candid words from members of the local community, shed some ominous light on the roots and origins, the vicious cycle of poverty, poor education, and lack of parental guidance that produces people like Perry and Burkett. He also doesn't neglect to take a look at the state employees, from the police investigators to the death row officers.

The result is a sobering and even handed exploration of the repercussions of a senseless crime. It might not be as cinematically riveting as you would expect from a Herzog documentary, but Into the Abyss is just as equally profound as anything he's ever done. Don't miss it.

Bonjour Tristesse








22 comments:

NeverTooEarlyMP said...

I remember a great deal of buzz about this one when it was first announced. I think I may try something else to get a sense of Herzog though, as you mention several aspects that make this one sound a bit atypical, and I'm not sure if I'm up for another prison industrial complex movie at the moment. Great job on all these recent posts, by the way. 

The Angry Lurker said...

Had a chance to watch this a while back but didn't bother but may have to go back to it now, nice review....

Michael Parent said...

Herzog is so prolific! This is exactly his kind of subject. I will check this one for sure! Very good review.

Diana said...

I have a confession to make: I don't think I have ever seen a Herzog movie; I should really get on it and have a marathon these days! Great post!

d_4 said...

I.. won't. It sounds.. interesting. To me, at least.

Lisa Thatcher said...

This looks really interesting!  I'm hot and cold on Herzog. I loved Kasper Hauser, but didn't think Stroszek lived up to its reputation at all. A few people have told me to check out the documentaries lately - I think I'll star with this one!  Thanks for a great review!

DEZMOND said...

I'm still waiting for Herzog to do a movie adaptation of THE PIANO TUNER by Daniel Mason as he promised. Loved that book. Exotic and dramatic. Perfect for a movie. 

Gareth McNamee said...

sounds an interesting documentary...there are some really rotten parts of society that just get forgotten about and never reported in the usual media

Shutter Bug said...

i usually don't like documentaries, but this one sounds interesting! 

FrontRoomCinema said...

I love a bit of Herzog... his commentary is always super mesmerising!!

Lisa Thatcher said...

OPMG!  I"m an idiot!  I just realised I've seen this film!!!

Lisa Thatcher said...

AND I got OMG wrong - bad BAD start to the day Lisa....

Margaret said...

That sounds very interesting, I'm gonna have to see this one!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 Thanks. If you haven't seen any of his others I'd suggest starting with The White Diamond and Grizzly Man

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks, not his best work but it's informative and quite chilling. Definitely worth a look.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 I love that about him. He always finds these interesting and disturbing aspects of mankind to uncover.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Then I will recommend that you watch Aguirre. I think that one is his best work.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Haha. You are excused.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I also hope that one gets made. Sounds perfect for him.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Well they are usually reported in the local media, but crimes like this aren't exactly world news worthy.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

He doesn't do his usual commentary in this one but it's still very interesting.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

It is, definitely check it out when you can.

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