Werner Herzog's 'Heart of Glass' Turns 50: Hypnosis, Landscape, and Apocalyptic Vision
The 50th anniversary of Werner Herzog's 1976 film 'Heart of Glass' (Cuore di vetro) is being commemorated. Shot in locations such as the Bavarian Forest, Ireland, and Switzerland, the film uniquely employs non-professional actors who perform under hypnosis, contributing to its unsettling tone. The story unfolds in a fictional 18th-century village, centering on Mühlbeck, the last ruby glass craftsman. His demise triggers madness among the villagers, influenced by Hias's prophetic visions. Drawing inspiration from medieval German apocalyptic tales, particularly Herbert Achternbusch's 'Die Stunde des Todes' (1975), Herzog prioritizes visual landscapes over narrative. The film features ambient soundscapes and music from Popol Vuh, with iconographic elements highlighting themes of death and apocalyptic release. Emanuele Aria's piece on Artribune delves into the film's enigmatic qualities.
Key facts
- Werner Herzog's 'Heart of Glass' was released in 1976.
- The film was shot in the Bavarian Forest, Ireland, and Switzerland.
- Actors were non-professionals and performed under hypnosis.
- The story is set in an 18th-century Bavarian village.
- Mühlbeck is the only craftsman who knows the secret of ruby glass.
- His death leads to economic and spiritual crisis and madness.
- Hias has prophetic visions that announce the collapse.
- The narrative is inspired by medieval German apocalyptic legends and Herbert Achternbusch's 'Die Stunde des Todes'.
- Landscape is the film's true protagonist.
- The music is by Popol Vuh, blending cosmic music and proto-new age.
- The film references paintings by Cézanne, Böcklin, Friedrich, and Bruegel.
- The article was written by Emanuele Aria for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Werner Herzog
- Herbert Achternbusch
- Popol Vuh
- André Bazin
- Umberto Eco
- Paul Cézanne
- Arnold Böcklin
- Caspar David Friedrich
- Pieter Bruegel the Elder
- Emanuele Aria
Institutions
- Artribune
Locations
- Munich
- Germany
- Bavarian Forest
- Ireland
- Switzerland