Do It. Wernerfest!

There's no denying that German filmmaker Werner Horzog is a strange, strange man. But his arresting personality has lent itself to intriguing filmmaking that's unlike anyone else's. From documentaries to dramas to action films, Herzog can do it all -- even 3D, as Leslie saw back in April.

Herzog's work is quite extensive, and surely even most fans haven't watched a great majority of his work. But novice or expert fan, Wernerfest is the best excuse to dive right on in. The 12-hour film marathon takes place this Saturday, Oct. 8, from noon to midnight and features 13 of Herzog's early and classic works. There's his 1978 Nosferatu, his debut short Herakles, and even yes, Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe. Stay the whole time or just watch a block -- it's only $10! And Herzog himself might be making an appearance too -- surely don't want to miss out on that.

Wernerfest! A Marathon of Werner Herzog Discoveries takes place this Saturday from noon to midnight at Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 5750 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100 in Miracle Mile.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles

Check It. Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

You may have seen (or heard of) Werner Herzog films such as Grizzly Man, Rescue Dawn, or Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans. Whether you've liked anything he's made before, see Cave of Forgotten Dreams.

Almost two months ago, I attended a private screening, and it was a magical experience. It was so enchanting and beautiful and relaxing, yet thrilling at the same time.

The cave is the Chauvet Cave in southern France, and it contains the earliest known cave paintings (horses, lions, bears, all fascinating). It is so well-preserved because the cave has been enclosed by fallen rock for over 20,000 years. In 1994, it was discovered by some hikers, and scientists quickly discovered the importance of the ancient artwork inside, and shut off any public access. Herzog and his small crew had a very rare, fortunate, highly-regulated window of time to go in and film. With a team of select scientists, his Director of Photography Peter Zeitlinger, an extremely limited crew, and adapted 3D cameras, Herzog made a beautiful film.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams opens Friday April 29.

On Friday night, Herzog will be at the ArcLight Hollywood for a Q & A session following the 7:45 p.m. film, and he will introduce the 10:20 p.m. screening.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credits: history.com

Do It. Werner Herzog, L.A. Record's Xmas Party.

Meet a crazy man: Werner Herzog @ Downtown Independent, Fri. at 7pm (9pm showing will have Herzog introduce), $12
Werner "It's not a signficant bullet" Herzog is crazy. The auteur behind amazingly wondrous documentaries like "Grizzly Man" and "Encounters at the End of the World" is set to release a new feature film, named "My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?" and lucky for you, he's coming out to promote it at this Q&A. What could you ask such a man? Here's your chance; it's bound to be entertaining.

Meet a crazy band: L.A. Record's Xmas Party @ Bedrock Rehearsal in Echo Park, Sat. at 8pm, FREE with RSVP and donation of child's toy
Okay, maybe none of the bands playing this holiday gig are as crazy as Werner Herzog (that would be quite ambitious), but they'll give you a good show nonetheless. I've seen fave Smell players Abe Vigoda a few times and they just keep getting better, and I can't imagine The Soft Pack not bringing some great energy to their poptastic beats. Oh, but that dude Daedelus does have crazy sideburns, and add in that free tequila (if you're 21+, of course)...maybe you will be in for a crazy night.

-- Chau Tu