When Herzog Rescued Phoenix

Remember back in 2006 when Werner Herzog heroically rescued Joaquin Phoenix from a wrecked car? Well, now there’s an animated reenactment, crafted by Sascha Ciezata using audio lifted from an interview Herzog granted to promote My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done, his film collaboration with David Lynch:


[via Laughing Squid]

Herzog’s rescue of the troublesome actor took place within days, maybe weeks of a freakish incident that occurred on Herzog’s balcony during the middle of an interview with film journalist Mark Kermode: “A sniper opened fire with an air rifle … Herzog, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, said, ‘Oh, someone is shooting at us. We must go.’ He had a bruise the size of a snooker ball, with a hole in. He just carried on with the interview while bleeding quietly in his boxer shorts.”

Responding to Kermode’s incredulity, Herzog stated, smiling, “It was not a significant bullet. I am not afraid.”

Sascha, if you’re reading, please consider making an animation of that.

4 Responses to “When Herzog Rescued Phoenix”

  1. Kambriel Says:

    And some will have a chance to see Herr Herzog himself at the New Yorker festival in early October: http://www.newyorker.com/festival/schedule/glance

  2. Eric Says:

    I’m guessing you have already seen the brilliant videos of Werner Herzog reading/interpreting childrens’ books…in case you haven’t, you must
    Madeline
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57EDxvldLD4
    Curious George
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T8y5EPv6Y8&feature=related
    Where’s Waldo
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvWh6PMi9Ek&feature=related
    Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z1R5vDG2Tg

    Soon, there will be enough for a Werner Herzog themed cable channel: “Tonight, on WernerTV, more animated interviews with Werner”

  3. Mer Says:

    Hate to burst your bubble, Eric, but I’m 90% sure that’s not actually Herzog. :)

    However, he DID narrate this incredible film that made me break down and cry like a little kid watching Old Yeller for the first time.

  4. Shay Says:

    This is really sweet and nice in almost uncanny way =]