(Sunday, March 14, 2010 7:30pm)

First of all, Werner Herzog’s “Aguirre, The Wrath Of God,” is not only a masterpiece but also an essential film. Secondly, the expedition of Aguirre and his men was an illusion, therefore all the aspects throughout this film made me a pessimist. I saw anger, hatred, greediness, etc. that covered the whole voyage very difficult for Aguirre and his men to grasp. Misfortune was on Aguirre’s side because of selfishness. There was an important scene where an Indian slave was playing the bamboo flute and Aguirre was staring down at him, not caring whatever comes in his way and embracing everything around him, which I personally think, symbolizes courage and insanity. Another great scene was when the black slave, the emperor, and the pilgrim were talking about their goals and what they have to achieve on the journey after everything is settled. The slave was to be free, the emperor was to seize gold, and the pilgrim was to spread the words of God. It amazes me how clearly each person see what’s ahead of them but could not foresee the certainty of death. Herzog created a surreal haunting film and an eerie image of an insane man.