In 1994, what is believed to be the oldest known prehistoric cave drawings were discovered in a mountain range in southern France. Hundreds of paintings of animals were catalogued from Chauvet Cave including several extinct species and others that have never been seen in prehistoric art before. Although the age of the paintings is in dispute among scientists, the drawings are believed to be 30,000 years old.
Due to the sensitive nature of the art, the cave is not open to the general public and great care has been insured to preserve the drawings, including the installment of a large thick steel door blocking the entrance to the cave. German filmmaker Werner Herzog, (Grizzly Man) received special permission from the French Minister of Culture to enter the cave and film the drawings under strict conditions. He and his crew were allowed only six days of shooting of four hours each. They were not allowed to touch the walls or floor of the cave (the camera was placed at the end of a long mechanical arm), and they were confined to a two-foot built walkway traversing the paintings.
The culmination of that expedition is revealed in Herzog's new film, The Cave of The Forgotten Dreams, a 90-minute film shot with 3-D cameras that record much of the artwork. The 3-D technology is used to magnify the countour and delicacy of the art and successfully brings depth and life to the paintings. Shadows in the cave cast an eerie wavering effect on the pictures as if the play of shadow and light were of the artist's intent. Multiple images of wild horses aligned with one another give the illusion of the horses running when a light is cast upon them.
As magnificant as it is to view the paintings in the ideal conditions of a dark movie house, Herzog's film is a bit menial in scope for the cinematic movie screen. Its singular photographic effect would be better served on television. Cable TV's The History Channel co-produced the production.
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Article comments
1 - John Lake
It was an interesting look at the cave. The speakers were people we only wish we could meet. But as to the authenticity of the artwork in the limestone cave, I remain skeptical.
2 - GuyD
Yes, there was no skepticism here. Should the art prove to be unreal, the movie will be meaningless.