Werner Herzog’s last collaboration with the mad dog of movies Klaus Kinski turns about to be a surprisingly vital but rather overlooked film. Cobra Verde seems like another take on Aguirre Wrath of God, with Klaus Kinski again cast in conquering mold and touched by the devil. This time Kinski is the notorious Brazilian bandit named for his venomous style. 
    We first meet Francisco Manoel da Silva digging in panned out gold mines. Mud covered and bent over, he quickly rises to the stuff of legends as he struts barefoot with rifle loaded into a rural town. It looks like a scene out of Kurosawa’s Yojimbo or a cliché spaghetti western with everyone running for cover as Kinski’s evil character makes his entrance. How Kinski moves from barefoot bandit to plantation overseer to an African Viceroy in short cinematic strokes may stretch the imagination, but Herzog films with a beautiful eye. Compositions are mesmerizing. And Kinski is fascinating to watch. The real life explosiveness of the actor is captured on screen in raw emotion. You are never sure what the actor will do next. The Brazilian scenes feature some grand jungle landscapes and the African scenes have the best assortment of natives since King Solomon’s Mines blazed on the screen.

A moment of seeming domestic tranquilly. ©Anchor Bay

    Anchor Bay has done a handsome job with all the Herzog films. Cobra Verde's color is enticing with excellent saturation. The lushness of the jungles grows right off the screen. Overall brightness is delivered with room to spare and shadows come to live within the fine contrast range. Yes, the transfer is sharp enough to reveal the madness behind Kinski's eyes. There's no blooming in the picture. Grain is displayed in tight patters. The Dolby Digital 5:1 surround captures the feeling of the jungle and ferocity of the fights. In German with optional yellow English subtitles.
     Werner Herzog provides another erudite audio commentary. Herzog expounds on Kinski, of course, and the challenge of filming in difficult places. The man loves a challenge and loves making films. 

Selections from the Feature Archive include articles on Akira Kurosawa,  Frank Darabont, Blonde Bimbos, Hollywood Street Gangs, or Vietnam: The Hollywood Pariah, and many more....

Click on the image above for as original view of Akira Kurosawa's work

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