Cave of Forgotten Dreams

It seemed like a match made in heaven; Werner Herzog, legendary filmmaker/explorer, making a film about a newly discovered cave in France, a haven for a wealth of the oldest paintings ever seen. Herzog is a director who likes to break new ground, illuminate the unknown, search the globe's nooks and crannies for that elusive 'ecstatic truth'. In the Chauvet caves in Southern France, we have something that should spark a glint in wizened Werner's eyes. So why does the film feel so.....flat?

The main conclusion I have to come to is this; this is not strictly a Werner Herzog film. He is not the star of the show, in fact he is barely present either on screen or even in narration. This film is about the caves and the mysterious paintings they present. The world's oldest art gallery. For me, this is disappointing. Werner's rapport with his subjects (human subjects I might add) creates a warmth and connection which is sorely lacking in 'Cave...'. His soft, authoritative Bavarian tones are instead replaced by a series of rather dry descriptions from the cave's protectors, further disconnected by the lifeless translations. Early on in the film Herzog informs us that filming will be restricted, therefore he will need to involve himself with the technical work. Fair enough, but you almost get the feeling Herzog is less involved with this project in his screen absence. You miss his wit and eccentricity.

The caves, of course, are highly fascinating. A series of perfectly formed, articulate drawings are scattered across the walls; bears, cats and other wild animals. The artistry, if you consider they were made thousands of years ago, is striking. What's more, the drawings seem to be co-ordinated into particular patterns, sophisticated arcs and swirls, repetitions. They are not mere primal doodlings.They are worthy of publicity, worthy of documenting for sure. Yet, I didn't feel immersed in the cave and the paintings like the film intended the audience to be. The 3D was fine, but it wasn't experiential. I felt like I was watching a film about the cave paintings, I wasn't mesmerised by them and wasn't induced into feverish daydreams by them, like the people on screen. It was a disconnection, and this is fundamental blow to the film. When the human subjects talked about dreams and human connection and blah blah blah...... I could understand them but didn't feel it.

Usually Herzog happens upon the eccentrics and the nomads with ease, but this time they must have all been hiding in other caves. The French archeologists are enthusiastic but ultimately serious academics and as such not really Herzog fodder. Even the 'experimental archeologist', out in the wild with his primal flute and animal skin casual wear seems oddly subdued. Give me Timothy Treadwell and nomadic truck drivers any day of the week.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams; a worthy, solid reportage of a fascinating cultural treasure, but a missed opportunity for Herzog.

6/10