Conquest of the Useless

The diary captures the surreal and chaotic experiences of Werner Herzog during the filming of Fitzcarraldo, a film about a rubber baron's ambitious endeavor to transport a steamship over a mountain. Spanning from 1979 to 1981, Herzog’s entries reveal bizarre events, including attacks on the crew's camp and logistical nightmares. He emphasizes that these writings reflect his inner turmoil rather than a straightforward account of the film's production, offering a unique insight into the creative process of a visionary filmmaker amidst the challenges of the Amazon jungle.