Werner Herzog's 'Bucking Fastard' Dazzles Venice, Skips Cannes Competition for Actress Prizes

Introduction

Werner Herzog, the legendary filmmaker known for his uncompromising vision and profound explorations of the human condition, has unveiled his latest cinematic offering, ‘Bucking Fastard’, at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which premiered as the director turned 84, is a bold and unconventional work that defies easy categorization, blending elements of bawdy sex comedy with a picaresque adventure and an eccentric existential odyssey. Starring real-life sisters Kate and Rooney Mara as nearly identical twins, Joan and Jean Holbrooke, who share thoughts, desires, and even a love interest played by Orlando Bloom, the film pushes the boundaries of narrative filmmaking.

Key Details

• Film Title: ‘Bucking Fastard’
• Director: Werner Herzog
• Starring: Kate Mara, Rooney Mara, Orlando Bloom, Domhnall Gleeson
• Premieres: Venice Film Festival (in competition), Telluride Film Festival
• Upcoming Screenings: Toronto International Film Festival, New York Film Festival
• Production: Filmed in Ireland and a Slovenian cave in February 2025.
• Herzog's Age: 84 (turned 84 during Venice premiere)
• Cannes Offer: Invited to play out of competition, but declined by Herzog.
• Dedication: The film is dedicated to filmmaker David Lynch.

Background

Herzog’s filmography is replete with works that venture into the unexpected, from the hallucinatory “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” to the ambitious “Fitzcarraldo” and the hypnotically charged “Heart of Glass.” With ‘Bucking Fastard,’ he continues this tradition. The film’s premise, featuring identical twins who operate in perfect synchronicity, presented a unique challenge and opportunity for the director. Herzog revealed that for the first time, he conducted rehearsals, but found the Maras so inherently in sync that the process was brief. Their synchronicity, he noted, was discovered through singing their childhood songs, a method that allowed them to achieve an almost inaudible, yet perfect, unison. Herzog himself acted as the final arbiter of their timing, positioning himself between the actresses and the camera to sense the precise moment they were in rhythm before calling for the slate.

Impact Analysis

The decision to premiere ‘Bucking Fastard’ at Venice and forgo a Cannes slot was a strategic move by Herzog. He explained that while Cannes extended an invitation to screen the film out of competition, he declined because his primary goal was to give Kate and Rooney Mara a platform to compete for acting awards. “I don’t need a competition. I’ve been in many; I don’t need an award,” Herzog stated, emphasizing his priority for his actresses. Venice, he felt, was a more suitable venue for the film’s competitive debut. The film’s reception at Venice was met with a standing ovation, though Herzog acknowledged that his work is not for everyone. “It’s an acquired taste, for sure,” he admitted, but the film has nonetheless cast a “strange early spell” on the festival as it seeks North American distribution.

“The two sisters should be in a position where they can compete for best actress.”

Broader Context

Herzog’s dedication of ‘Bucking Fastard’ to David Lynch adds another layer of intrigue. While acknowledging a deep mutual respect between them, Herzog noted that their recent interactions had become challenging due to Lynch’s deep immersion in transcendental meditation. Herzog described conversations where Lynch would focus on a picture of his guru, with Herzog himself perceived beyond that image. This shift in Lynch’s focus, from collaborative filmmaking to spiritual pursuits, created what Herzog termed a “barrier,” though he downplayed reading too much into the dedication itself, suggesting it was more a gesture of respect than an explicit cinematic homage.

The conversation also touched upon the evolving landscape of filmmaking, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Herzog expressed a strong, albeit controversial, opinion on AI, welcoming its potential to replace “idiots who are into nothing but repeating, repeating, repeating until it’s ad nauseam.” He views AI as a tool that can be beneficial when applied to repetitive or uninspired content, freeing human creativity for more original endeavors. He firmly rejected the idea of AI-generated films mimicking his style, calling such attempts “phenomenally, abysmally stupid” and a failure of genuine storytelling.

Future Outlook

Despite his 84 years, Werner Herzog shows no signs of slowing down. He revealed that he is already working on his next project and has another film nearing completion. He is also compiling a comprehensive book of photographs from his extensive filmography for Taschen. Herzog’s continued prolific output, even as he acknowledges physical limitations—recalling a demanding filming expedition for “Ghost Elephants” that required extensive walking and running—underscores his enduring passion for filmmaking. His approach, which involves remote direction when necessary, as seen with his producer filming in Angola while Herzog guided from home, demonstrates his adaptability and unwavering commitment to capturing compelling narratives.

Conclusion

‘Bucking Fastard’ represents another bold stroke from Werner Herzog, a filmmaker who consistently challenges conventions and explores the depths of human experience. The film’s unique premise, the remarkable performance of the Mara sisters, and Herzog’s distinctive directorial hand have made it a standout at the Venice Film Festival. His strategic decision regarding festival competition, his reflections on artistic legacy and collaboration with David Lynch, and his provocative stance on AI all contribute to the rich tapestry of his ongoing career. As Herzog continues to create, ‘Bucking Fastard’ serves as a testament to his enduring artistic vitality and his unique place in cinema history.