It is also a bit preachy. Serving as philosophical narrative, Herzog, his crew and several archeologists and scientists offer their reactions to the paintings, which sometimes disturb the sedate nature of the art. Ideally, one wishes to bask in the pictures with the advantage of Herzog's 3-D technology and ponder one's own historical, spiritual, and philosophical thoughts without a thunderous musical score and idle, maybe even pompous chatter.
It is what the camera does not show where the film leaves its deepest impression. Much of the ancient art and evidence of human activity is unreachable and could not be filmed, and one is struck with wonder as Herzog points to an area of the cave, not captured on camera, where a boy's footprint, possibly the most ancient footprint ever documented, had been found next to the paw prints of a wolf. Herzog poses the question, were the wolf and boy walking together, or was the wolf chasing the boy? We will never know.
Herzog's film sheds light on the magnificant etchings of ancient man found in Chauvet Cave. It is the next best thing to being there. Very soon The History Channel will likely be bringing these deeply moving images to the comfort of your own home.
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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.