One of the most revered filmmakers of our time, Werner Herzog
wrote this diary during the making of Fitzcarraldo, the
lavish 1982 film that tells the story of a would-be rubber baron
who pulls a steamship over a hill in order to access a rich rubber
territory. Later, Herzog spoke of his difficulties when making the
film, including casting problems, reshoots, language barriers, epic
clashes with the star, and the logistics of moving a 320-ton
steamship over a hill without the use of special effects.
Hailed by critics around the globe, the film went on to win
Herzog the 1982 Outstanding Director Prize at Cannes. Conquest
of the Useless, Werner Herzog's diary on his fever dream in
the Amazon jungle, is an extraordinary glimpse into the mind of a
genius during the making of one of his greatest achievements.