Pull that boat over the mountain

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bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

0 posted 2002-10-08 02:56 PM

I watched the movie Fitzcarraldo last night, from 1982. Directed by Werner Herzog and starring Klaus Kinski, both German. These two are legendary for their megalomania and insanity in order to make movies. (Herzog once told Kinski if he quit one of his films, he would shoot eight bullets into his head, saving the last one for Herzog himself).

In Fitzcarraldo, Kinski stars as Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, who has a dream of bringing opera into the deepest recesses of the Peruvian jungle. At the most striking point in the film, Sweeney decides, despite all logistics and reason, rather than giving up his dream, to actually hoist his riverboat over a mountain and down the other side, so as to avoid rapids.

The thing is, a 300-ton riverboat WAS ACTUALLY DRAGGED OVER THE MOUNTAIN for this movie. Natives died and were injured, enlisted as extras, to perform the task. Kinski screamed and cursed the whole way through the shoot. The natives even asked Herzog if they would like them to kill Kinski, free of charge, due to his outbursts.

The movie, really, is about art for art's sake, and, the insanity of obsession. Made by two obsessed, insane people. The movie is full of awe and beauty, even in its darkest moments.

Here's a poem.

Pull that boat over the mountain
The river hits the trees.

Pull that boat over the mountain.

Break all roots within the way.
Blow up rocks and burst debris.
Post pylon. Wrap the weight.

Pull that boat over the mountain.

Burn the coal and lock the chains,
tighten links in strength's restrain.
Snap the saplings at their seams.
Cut them flat. Hull new sea.

Pull that boat over the mountain.
Some may die. Hoist the load.
Turn the crank. Pulley pull.
Some may die. Hoist the load.
Drag the boat. Drag the boat.

Pull that boat over the mountain.

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius

since 2000-10-09

Posts 13989

1 posted 2002-10-08 02:59 PM

I loved it Mikey, the editorial and the poem. Very well presented....WOW highly intense!!

If I have touched one heart through my words, then I have acheived my dream...

[This message has been edited by Gentle Spirit (10-08-2002 03:01 PM).]

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant

since 2002-06-08

Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA

2 posted 2002-10-08 03:00 PM

Awesome write as usual

Cold hands means a warm heart

Anvrill
Senior Member

since 2002-06-21

Posts 710
in the interzone now

3 posted 2002-10-08 03:02 PM

I need to start catching up on my obscure movies. Hmm... Off to Casablanca Video I go! Nah, then I'll only end up picking up cult B-movies... Those are bad for me. They encite brain rot.

That's just such an amazing thought... That someone more obsessive than me exists.

By leaps and bounds, too! Yeesh.

You captures things so well, babe. You always awe me.

your tongue's like poison
so swollen it fills up my mouth

rs

bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

4 posted 2002-10-08 03:11 PM

Thank you, Gentle Spirit. It was an intense, haunting, beautiful, disturbing movie.

Julie, thank you.

Lori, check yr e-mail.

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

5 posted 2002-10-08 03:12 PM

Mike, I like the way you wrote about the movie and the poem that you got from it. You explain very well. Thank you for sharing this.
Love To All,
Ethel/garysgirl

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

6 posted 2002-10-08 04:57 PM

and for some unknown, strange reason, you made me think of Noah....

very, very good. Both the genesis of the poem, and the poem itself...

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

7 posted 2002-10-08 05:14 PM

I have had days that seemed like I was trying to pull a boat up over a mountain!

You should look up Ebert, of Siskel & Ebert fame!---but I recommend that you practise some thumb exercises before the audition!

I'm giving this poem, and the commentary, a rating of two thumbs up!

Linda

Cpat Hair

Member Patricius

since 2001-06-05

Posts 11793

8 posted 2002-10-08 05:20 PM

interesting commentary and poem... all for the making of a movie we would watch people die and hoist a boat over the mountains... amazing what people would do...

Irie
Senior Member

since 1999-12-01

Posts 1493
Washington State

9 posted 2002-10-08 05:21 PM

Wow, very interesting facts you’ve shared with us Mike.
I’ve learned something new for the day

Thank you for sharing and you’ve done a fine job with this poem!

~Sheri

"Don't wait for your ship to come in ...
Swim out to it"

bsquirrel

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-01-03

Posts 7855

10 posted 2002-10-09 05:05 PM

Glad you all enjoyed.
What a price we pay for ego sometimes.
And yet, sometimes, it leaves behind
works that couldn't be done otherwise.

Quite the dilemma.

My roommate, when watching the movie,
also thought of Noah.

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