I guess whether or not the revelation of ‘Incident at Lochness’ being a mockumentary is a spoiler could make great fodder for your spoiler discussion within this very podcast! I guess I went into it knowing, because the trailer had made it very obvious. But initially, the film does carry itself pretty realistically.

As for Grizzly Man, I can see how some people would think it’s faked. The situation and the subjects are pretty over the top. In the past, Herzog has openly said he’s more concerned about story rather than fact, but in this case, I do believe it was real. As for it being boring, I suppose that’s subjective. I know a lot of people who were waiting to see a bear attack on film, but I just enjoyed the sincerity of it all, and Herzog’s typical theme of man vs. nature. His speech about Grizzly bears being nothing but dull hunters is a great response to the idea that you can actually become friends with them.

Thanks for listening. Just a couple of things I should clarify…

I haven’t seen “Little Dieter Needs to Fly” yet, though I want to. The other Herzog doc I saw was “Grizzly Man” which I think was totally scripted and totally boring I didn’t like it at all. Maybe partly because it was so highly praised and was nominated for an Oscar I think.

Second, the only reason I said Loch Ness is “definitely a documentary” was because it would sort of be a spoiler to say otherwise. When I first saw the movie (about 3 months ago) I thought it was real (until about 1/3 of the way through). Part of the “charm” is discovering that it’s actually a joke.

Also, I know it says Zak Penn, but I think that’s just in the credits and on the DVD cover to make the joke appear more realistic. I’m sure Herzog had a lot to do with that project.

Anyway, thanks again for listening.

ciao!

Good show. Caught on to this episode a little late.

Just couldn’t resist commenting on the mention of Herzog’s documentaries, being a big fan myself. Andrew had mentioned he’s seen two of Herzog’s docs: Little Dieter Needs to Fly and Incident at Lochness. Now I don’t mean to be ‘that guy’, but I had to comment on this…

First off, Incident at Lochness was actually written and directed by Zak Penn, best known as the writer of many of the Marvel films, including X2 and the upcoming Hulk movie. Not a big deal, but the next point I found interesting. Andrew had gave a second thought as to whether it was a documentary, but then concluded that it was ‘definitely a documentary’. This suprised me, seeing as the film is actually a comedy/mockumentary in the vein of the Christopher Guest films. The humour is much more subdued then Guest’s films, so I can see that getting by someone…but the Lochness Monster actually makes an appearance in this film. I don’t know about you, but I would think if members of a documentary crew were killed in an ‘Incident at Lochness’, it might make the news! Cryptozooligists around the world would unite! Anyways, I guess it’s a testament to the skill of the folks behind the film, and most interestingly, the actual Hollywood folks who play themselves in the film.

Either way, good show!

P.S. Zak Penn and Herzog are teaming up once again this year in Penn’s ‘The Grand’, one of my most anticipated films of this year.

I think Life Aquatic is the BEST Wes Anderson movie I have seen. (I’ve yet to see Bottle Rocket). I think Willam Defoe is hilarious as Klaus and the ending, when they are all walking together, is surprisingly poignant.

I’m not a huge Anderson fan. I’ve seen two of his films (Rushmore and Tenenbaums) and didn’t like those all that much the first time around though I’m curious to see them again. May have to do that at some point.

Perfume is a great little film and the way that Tykwer manages to make you feel like you can almost smell though the screen. It’s a bit chilling.

Sunshine - can’t wait to hear the “spoilerific” discussion.

PS. I added a little nugget at the end of our “Sunshine” preview…just for you guys.

Ross, I think definitely watch them in order (that means starting with Bottle Rocket). But if you cannot or don’t want to see them all, I think Tenenbaums would be the most accessible. Rushmore completely rubbed me the wrong way my first viewing and like Kurt, it’s my least favorite (well, after Life Aquatic). - But you still have yet to see Contact - get that done as well

Second, I saw Sunshine last night. And I almost totally agree with Kurt in his deconstruction of the structure of the film. 1:20:00 of FANTASTIC film making, followed by 35 minutes of … well, less than mediocre. I wouldn’t go so far as to say crap, but it definitely makes the film drop from nearly a five star experience to a four. A real shame. Could’ve been the best movie I’ve seen all year until that point. - Full (spoilerific) review on next week’s show.

Btw it’s not that I have avoided Anderson’s films it’s just a coincidence that I have never seen any of his films.

Although otherwise, I’d watch them in order, starting with Bottle Rocket.

As for the family aspect, you’re right, it does have a little of that in there, but the main thrust of the film is the relationship between Schwartzman’s character and the teacher and Murray. While with BR & RT, it’s all about family (more so with Tenenbaums obviously).