Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (1980)

A testament to the relentless pursuit of cinematic dreams, "Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe" is an eccentric chronicle of acclaimed German filmmaker Werner Herzog's daring gastronomic endeavor. Engaging in a culinary spectacle, Herzog turns his shoe into a stew, stuffing it with aromatic ingredients, trussing it with laces, and simmering it in a pot of water and duck fat. This unusual feast is not a result of some bizarre culinary fascination, but a fulfillment of a bet he lost to Errol Morris, an aspiring filmmaker he had encountered in his student days. The bet, far from a mockery, was a fiery encouragement to the struggling Morris, nudging him to overcome any barrier in order to finance his movie project. Herzog's promise to dine on his shoe if Morris ever made a film was not made in vain. Morris created his debut film 'Gates of Heaven', compelling Herzog to honor his unconventional wager. The shoe-eating spectacle takes place at one of the first screenings of Morris' film, transforming into a public dialogue on film, art, and life. As Herzog devours his stewed shoe, he uses this act as a symbolic call to arms for other aspiring filmmakers, urging them to increase the creation of 'adequate images' that truly reflect the world. A film that aligns precisely with its title, 'Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe' is an unconventional blend of culinary theatrics and profound reflections on cinema, offering viewers a unique exploration of artistry, ambition, and the lengths one might go to inspire others.

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is a comedy movie featuring Tom Luddy and directed by Les Blank.

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe on Amazon Video.