Cave of Forgotten Dreams

In this hypnotic documentary, filmmaker Werner Herzog visits a cavern in the remote French countryside containing the oldest prehistoric wall paintings yet discovered. Given permission for a brief photo shoot in the Chauvet Cave—uncovered in 1994—Herzog and his team follow stringent rules designed to protect the site from contamination. Clad in space-age suits, the crew follow a narrow walkway, focusing their lenses on the artwork, using the play of light and shade to reveal the almost cinematic charcoal depictions of bears, rhinos, lions, and horses. Periodically they pause to note the radiant stalactites and preserved remnants of ancient human and animal habitation, including skulls of cave bears and skeletal remains of other creatures. Interspersed throughout are Herzog's observations, some delightfully wry but most meditating on what the images convey about the singularity of human nature, the seemingly innate impulse to express one's self, and the fragility of man's creations. Herzog also interviews scientists who've been investigating Chauvet, as well as art historians, and “cave finders” who use various skills to locate potential new sites. As always, the filmmaker manages to draw out his subjects' eccentricities as their remarks take a poetic or spiritual turn. Cave of Forgotten Dreams is an evocative work that raises fundamental questions about the human condition and modern man's links with—and differences from—distant ancestors. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the “Ode to the Dawn of Man” short film by filmmaker Werner Herzog (40 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the theatrical 3D version of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a winning documentary.] (F. Swietek)