Werner Herzog on the 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' - by Scientific American

Summary

Filmmaker Werner Herzog's documentary 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' explores the Chauvet Cave in France, which houses prehistoric artwork dating back to the last ice age. Herzog describes the experience as a time capsule, with the cave's pristine state suggesting recent activity despite the extinction of the depicted creatures like the woolly rhino and mammoth. The film, which required special permission to film due to the cave's fragility, offers a unique perspective on Paleolithic Europe and the creative process of ancient artists, with Herzog even using LED lights to recreate a sense of movement in the paintings, suggesting a prehistoric form of cinema.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The script discusses Werner Herzog's documentary 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams', which explores the Chauvet Cave in France.
• 🗺️ The Chauvet Cave is known for its extensive prehistoric artwork dating back to the last Ice Age.
• 🕰️ The cave was discovered in 1994, and Herzog is the first to document it in film, potentially the last due to preservation concerns.
• 🚫 Access to the cave is highly restricted to protect it from damage, with Herzog receiving special permission for limited filming hours.
• ⚠️ The cave's air is toxic, and filming had to be carefully managed to avoid exposure to these gases.
• 🦏 The film provides a unique view into Paleolithic Europe, featuring extinct creatures like the woolly rhino, mammoth, and cave bear.
• 🎨 Herzog suggests that the cave paintings may be the work of many artists over thousands of years, as evidenced by different painting styles and radiocarbon dating.
• 🦁 The lion paintings particularly captivated Herzog, with their intense focus and dynamic portrayal of movement.
• 🎬 Herzog claims the cave walls represent a form of prehistoric cinema, with paintings depicting movement in a series of images.
• 💡 The documentary uses LED lights, the only type allowed in the cave, to recreate the effect of the paintings as they would have appeared with torchlight.
• 📅 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' premiered in US theaters on April 29th, offering a rare opportunity for the public to experience the cave virtually.

Q & A

What is the Shovive Cave known for?

The Shovive Cave is known for its treasure trove of artwork that dates back to the last ice age.

What is the significance of Werner Herzog's documentary 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams'?

The documentary is significant as it is the first and possibly the last to document the Shovive Cave, providing an unprecedented glimpse into Paleolithic Europe and the creatures that once lived there.

Why is the Shovive Cave considered a time capsule?

The Shovive Cave is considered a time capsule because it has been preserved in a pristine state, giving the impression that it was just a few days ago that a cave bear walked along, despite the species being extinct for over 20,000 years.

What challenges did Herzog face while filming in the Shovive Cave?

Herzog faced challenges such as obtaining special permission from the French government, limited access time to minimize exposure to toxic gases, and the use of only LED lights for filming.

Why was Herzog possibly the last filmmaker to document the Shovive Cave?

The dangers of damaging the cave's delicate ecosystem, similar to what happened at the Lascaux Cave, make it unlikely that future filmmakers will be allowed to document the Shovive Cave.

What does Herzog suggest about the paintings in the Shovive Cave?

Herzog suggests that the paintings represent a kind of prehistoric cinema, with images that hint at movement and life, possibly created by many artists over thousands of years.

How does Herzog describe the experience of being in the Shovive Cave?

Herzog describes the experience as feeling very fresh, with the cave appearing as if it was just left a few days ago, and the sensation of hearing one's own heartbeat while holding their breath.

What modern invention did Herzog use to recreate the effect of the paintings in the Shovive Cave?

Herzog used LED lights to recreate the effect of the paintings, moving them to cast shadows and create a sense of space and drama, as understood and utilized by the ancient painters.

What evidence suggests that the paintings in the Shovive Cave were created by multiple artists over time?

Evidence such as radiocarbon dating and the overlaying of paintings, where one artist's work is completed or altered by another thousands of years later, suggests that the paintings were created by multiple artists.

When was the Shovive Cave discovered and by whom?

The Shovive Cave was discovered in 1994, but the documentary does not specify by whom.

What is the release date of Herzog's film 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' in US theaters?

The film 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' was released in US theaters on April 29th.