One can only imagine the fact that filmmaker Werner Herzog is the auteur that he is, played a crucial part in the French Culture Ministry allowing only him this unprecedented exclusive access to make this extraordinary film. ‘Cave of Forgotten Dreams’ is his documentary on some stunning caves in Southern France only discovered as recently as 1994 and that contain magnificent wall drawings dating back some 30000 years, making them the oldest known to man.
The caves themselves were protected by a major landslide some 20000 years ago and the interiors are in pristine condition. They are however considered extremely fragile, and to safeguard them only a handful of scientists and researchers are allowed in for a few weeks a year. The mere breath of excessive visitors could do irreparable damage to the surfaces, so tourists are a definite no-no.
Given all the restrictions regarding lighting (must not get hot) and using a skeleton crew with an unprofessional camera, you are still not prepared for the stunning beauty of what the caves hold. Breathtaking and dazzling and a real visual treat as Herzog films it all in 3D.
Each of his limited visits are for a few hours at a time, but that is enough to capture some of the mystery and drama of the 400 + drawings, the fossils and the imposing stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over the centuries. He highlights it well with a haunting and majestic soundtrack.
Off site Herzog gets some depth on the significance of the caves to mankind by interviewing several of the Scientists, although he is just as keen to put his own theories alongside theirs too.
He only loses the plot in an unfathomable personal Post Script which he added : my tip is use that as your cue to leave whilst you are still reveling in one of Herzog’s best movies on an awe-inspiring subject. And remember this will be your ONLY chance to ever see inside the Chauvert Caves .
Labels: 2010, documentary
