Glaube und Währung - Dr. Gene Scott, Fernsehprediger (1980) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Werner Herzog

Genre:

Documentary | Short

Plot Keywords:

Religiosity | Television | Interview | Televangelist | Money

Cast

Gene Scott

...

Himself

Also Known As:

God's Angry Man (International: English title)

Runtime:

Germany:43 min | Canada:46 min | USA:46 min

Country:

West Germany

Language:

English | German

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

Sudfunk Stuttgart

Perhaps Herzog's Most Compelling Documentary

I should say in advance that the only existing video transfers of Werner Herzog's documentary GOD'S ANGRY MAN are of very poor quality, and, since this documentary was made for television, I do not know of any existing film prints. Nevertheless, should you ever have the opportunity to see it, I cannot imagine myself giving any documentary a higher recommendation. Many people are not aware of the fact that Herzog has directed more documentaries than he has features, probably because, with the exception of MY BEST FIEND, most of this output has poor circulation in North America. I have seen most of his documentary work, including LAND OF SILENCE AND DARKNESS, LESSONS IN DARKNESS, WINGS OF HOPE, and LITTLE DIETER NEEDS TO FLY. GOD'S ANGRY MAN is hands down the most compelling Herzog documentary I have viewed to date. If I had one criticism of Herzog's documentary style, it is that his approach can at times be too conceptual, with his frequent voiceovers sounding a little stilted (his meditation on the fear of death in LITTLE DIETER come to mind). I would contrast this approach with that of Errol Morris, who, with very few exceptions, steps back from his subject matter and lets the characters speak for themselves. GOD'S ANGRY MAN reminds me very much of an Errol Morris film, and, made only two years after GATES OF HEAVEN, I do not think that this comparison is misguided. Nevertheless, GOD'S ANGRY MAN expresses the unique sensitiviy to human suffering that one has learned to associate with Herzog's films, and it continues the director's fascination with how people are able to endure a seemingly unbearable level of pain and longing. Herzog presents Dr. Gene Scott as a deeply ambivalent figure, at the same time both outrageously offensive and strangely sympathetic. Although video copies are difficult to find, it is possible to locate one with a little effort and patience. GOD'S ANGRY MAN can be purchased from rare video sources on the internet and also periodically appears on eBay. It is highly recommended that followers of both Herzog and Errol Morris seek out this title.