(USA/1982—directed by Les Blank)

Werner Herzog was already a legend by 1982 when Fitzcarraldo, his magnum opus, was finally released. The film tells the story of a visionary adventurer, played by Klaus Kinski, who is obsessed with bringing an opera house to the Amazon for a performance by Caruso. The film was shot on location over four years, including a dramatic scene where a 320-ton steamship is actually hauled over a mountain—one of many production challenges that drove Herzog to the brink of insanity.

Burden of Dreams is Les Blank’s classic behind-the-scenes documentary about Herzog’s monumental effort to complete Fitzcarraldo. As a portrait of unrelenting artistic obsession, this documentary's impact may surpass that of the film it chronicles. Newly restored in 4K resolution, Burden of Dreams returns to the big screen in the way it truly deserves. (95 minutes)

“One of the most candid and fascinating portraits ever made of a director at work.” –Vincent Canby, The New York Times