Werner Herzog Returns to Cinema with New Drama ‘Bucking Fastard’ at Venice

German filmmaker Werner Herzog, often referred to as the last wild man of European cinema, is showing no signs of slowing down at age 84. His latest feature, “Bucking Fastard,” marked his first dramatic film in seven years and recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

The movie stars real-life siblings Kate and Rooney Mara as Jean and Joan Holbrooke, twin sisters who share dreams and a fascination with an unfaithful partner portrayed by Orlando Bloom. Loosely inspired by the Chaplin twins, who became a media sensation in 1980s Britain, the plot follows the sisters as they attempt to dig a tunnel from Ireland to the Orkney Islands in pursuit of true love. The title originates from a simultaneous spoonerism uttered by the real-life sisters during legal proceedings regarding their former lover.

Herzog described the project as representing “the dream of an ideal country, which doesn’t really exist,” drawing parallels to his 1982 epic “Fitzcarraldo,” where he physically hauled a steamship over a Peruvian jungle mountain. He noted that his protagonists are consistently ecstatic dreamers striving for the impossible.

Beyond fiction, Herzog is renowned for documentary work that explores human extremes, such as “Grizzly Man” and “Rescue Dream.” He continues to pursue what he calls “ecstatic truth,” aiming to inspire audiences rather than merely depict the bizarre. “Just go out and do it,” he stated, suggesting that everyone should attempt the impossible.

Reception in Venice was mixed; while the audience responded warmly, some critics found the film confusing or nonsensical. Despite this, Herzog remains highly popular, particularly among younger generations, having recently gained a significant following on Instagram.

The director is already engaged in post-production for his next project and maintains his ambition to film in outer space, citing recent conversations with NASA and promises from Elon Musk.