I have not seen the documentary, Little Dieter Needs to Fly, that Werner Herzog re-made as this fictional account of Dieter Dengler’s captivity in Laos and then escape during the Vietnam War. I am not even sure why Herzog chose to tell Dengler’s story twice, once in documentary form and once in fictional form, with Christian Bale in the role of Dengler. Perhaps someone on this blog has seen them both and can offer an opinion?
The film itself has an oddly uplifting and wildly optimistic ending that is hard to square with the rest of the film. The only real justification for this ending is that it somehow mirrors the relentless optimism that Dengler manages to display throughout his captivity, in marked contrast to the five other prisoners (including a disappointing Steve Zahn). But the great majority of the film is enjoyable (that’s probably the wrong word) and beautifully made. It captures in a matter-of-fact (documentary?) style the torture, degradation, and long period on the run in the jungle that Dengler experienced. Bale is, as usual, expressive and manages to portray strength and vulnerability throughout. Recommended.
From what i’ve read, (New Yorker, Harper’s) the story of the filming of this movie is every bit as impressive as the movie itself. I agree with most of what Mike says here, except about Steve Zahn being disappointing.
I thought Zahn gave a career performance; esp. in light of the sheer amount of crap he’s made, He’s obviously capable of much more, and we knew that, but he flat-out amazed me here. Bale, well, it’s a strange performance, probably quite closer to what Dengler is like in life. I also havent seen Little Dieter, so I’m not sure on that count. I didn’t like the ending. I liked it right up to the “party.” Even the Rebel Alliance had a few thoughtful moments for the fallen members of Red Squadron after they blew up the Death Star.
It’s great that Herzog is still making movies, be they documentaries, features, or weird hybrids. I’ve said it before: He is one of the greatest filmmakers we have, and while this one might not be close to being his best, it’s still fearless stuff, and well worth watching.
Mike, remind me what you said about the movie?
I think Mark read the smart post and just assumed it was me.
Tee hee. No, I haven’t seen it yet. It’s coming from the library soon.
I’ll remind everyone that Steve Zahn made the best dvd commentary track ever, for Joy Ride. I’m serious.
Not sure why I thought Mike wrote the original Sorry Chris.
I agree with most of what
MikeChris says here, except about Steve Zahn being disappointing.Since I reminded everyone about how great Steve Zahn’s commentary track for Joy Ride was on this thread, I will also post this link which makes a persuasive case that I might actually want to watch the commentary for Did You Hear About the Morgans?.