"If I abandon this project, I would be a man without dreams"

Hi Readers,

There are two kinds of people in this world. Avid movie watchers and bookworms. I belong to the latter category. It has been ages since I last ventured into a movie hall to watch a movie. But recently, I was loaned two CDs to watch and I must say I began to watch it merely because I trust the person who lent it to me and knew there was a reason behind the same. But I was rivetted with Burden of My Dreams

(1) Fitzcarraldo and
(2) The making of this movie - Fitzcarraldo, a documentary called "Burden of My Dreams".

But first a little bit about the movie. Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, known as Fitzcarraldo by the locals who cannot pronounce his name, has failed in his project of building a railroad through the rain forests. Even though bankrupt and running a business of making ice - which is not in demand, he now dreams of something bigger. Of building an opera house in the rain forest and bringing the music of Caruso to the people.

Did he succeed? Not quite. Yet he achieved his aim of bringing the opera, even if temporarily to the forests of Peru. The people did get a chance to see and hear the famous Italian opera singer Caruso and his troupe perform on Fitzcarraldo's ship.

The movie is all about being passionate with your dreams. So passionate that you are willing to move mountains to achieve what you want.

However, it is the documentary, Burden of My Dreams that I found more appealing. It is obvious that the director, Werner Herzog is in love with his work, especially so with the project Fitzcarraldo.

As the documentary - Burden of My Dreams shows, there are problems with local Indians who act in the movie - a fight between two tribes, allegations against the film-makers, the star Jason Robabrs falls sick and is unable to return - this after 40% of the movie has been shot. Mick Jagger cannot commit more time and is forced to drop out (he is not replaced). Klaus Kinski, who replaces Jason does a fabulous job.

The focal point of the movie is moving a ship (an actual three storeyed ship) over the mountain and this has its own glitches. No investor is willing to pay till the ship moves. Investors, in Germany, ask Herzog:

"Do you have the strength or the will or the enthusiasm to continue?". He replies, "How can you ask this question? If I abandon this project, I would be a man without dreams. And I don't want to live like that."

Yes, despite all odds, Herzog attained his dream, the movie was made.

It is nice to have a deep passion for something, nicer still if you are able to make this passion your occupation. If this is not possible, you must set time aside for your passion.


At times, however, I guess it is also okay to realise that you are tired out. Perhaps at such point in time, it is vital to finish your pending committments and to take a complete break, rest, recover, think, and decide how best you can utilise your passion.

If you can find this DVD do pick it up. Burden of My Dreams is worth a view.

Best,
Lubna