Burden of Dreams (1982)

Immerse yourself in the tumultuous backstage drama of Werner Herzog's magnum opus, Fitzcarraldo, in the gripping documentary, Burden of Dreams (1982). This riveting chronicle follows the steadfast German auteur as he navigates a tempest of daunting obstacles to bring his cinematic vision to life. The journey is fraught with major casting upheavals as the lead actors, Jason Robards and Mick Jagger, part ways due to health concerns and conflicting commitments, leaving the production in a precarious balance. Herzog's monumental challenge of hauling a boat over a mountain is further complicated by the wrath of unpredictable weather, adding nature's fury to an already overwhelming mix. As if the elements weren't enough, the director and his crew find themselves caught in the crossfire of a simmering conflict between Peru and Ecuador, transforming their film set into an unexpected war zone. Through it all, the tenacious director refuses to succumb, battling not only external adversities but also the plummeting morale of his cast and crew. Burden of Dreams (1982) is an unflinching exploration of Herzog's unwavering ambition, a testament to the struggles endured and sacrifices made in the pursuit of cinematic greatness. This documentary is a compelling voyage into the heart of film-making, revealing the chaotic yet fascinating process of creating an enduring epic despite insurmountable odds.

Burden of Dreams is a documentary movie featuring Candace Laughlin.

Burden of Dreams is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Burden of Dreams on Apple TV.