julsmul Werner Herzog's 2010 documentary; Cave of Forgotten Dreams is my second favorite documentary of all I've seen so far, being beaten only by his 2007 documentary, Encounters At The End Of The World. Werner explores Chauvet Cave, a recently discovered cave in Southern France which contains cave paintings, bones, and footprints of men and animals from 32,000 years ago.Tone is crucial to a film, and Werner does an outstanding job in capturing a very unique tone and maintaining it through the whole documentary. Although the film revolves around archaeology and other scientific studies, its tone brings an air of mysticism that leaves viewers feeling as if they are traveling through time and truly connecting with the many prehistoric painters of the featured mind- bending artwork. In my many viewings with others, this combination has never failed in holding the attention and interest of even those that dislike documentaries.The music is superb and breathes life into the film's equally superb cinematography. Like the tone, it captivates viewers minds using soft choir, piano, and wind instruments and offers a deeper perspective of Werner's slow-pan shots over the cave art. Much of the film contains long, un-narrated segments of just this camera-work with the music, and while sounding boring, those segments are actually my favorite parts. Of the entire soundtrack, I can recommend "Rockshelter," "Child's Footprint Duo," and "Carbon Date" as my favorites.The science presented in this documentary is also very interesting. Werner delves into the cave's history with passion, and every aspect, from carbon dating to a prehistoric man's crooked little finger, is thoroughly explored in his analysis. As per Werner's style, the scientists and experts featured in the film also present their inner opinions about the cave and what amazing dreams drive them to continue their work.If there is gripe I've heard quite often about this film, it's usually the postscript. For many, the ending is confusing, opinionated, and a sudden, jarring change from the rest content. However, I feel that it is because Werner offers his opinions that his documentaries are so enthralling. Werner has a very unique perspective, and, for me, it always provides a new insight into the topic of discussion. The message can be understood with some thought and makes for a very decent concluding thought on the Cave of Forgotten Dreams.Conclusively, Werner Herzog's documentary is an experience best lived with an open, curious mind. Werner does not make generic documentaries, and his style isn't for everyone; however, with the right perspective, I feel that Cave of Forgotten Dreams is a beautiful piece of art that deserves a deeper look from those who dislike it.I'm giving it a 9/10. Otherwise, what would I rate Encounters At The End Of The World?

aetalutak throughout this film I noted many blatant lies that simply display the truth behind the entirety of the program.These paintings are clearly not from the paleolithic age and when the guy started whistling with a so called flute stuck into the corner of his mouth (watch it again it is clearly whistling). I could not contain myself and had to stop watching what I can only conclude is a farce that is stealing credit from more reliable art works (Probably for Money).If you are of the belief that these are in fact real. I can only say that you are free to your opinion. If there is any evidence to prove me wrong I would love to see it. I myself believe the entire thing to be a counterfeit.

prizm4 I was so disappointed by this documentary. The subject itself is amazing and I was eagerly looking forward to finding out more about the cave. But this was horrible. There is not much science here or much information about the people that left these paintings. What did they look like? What were their habits? Have similar paintings been found? This documentary should've been half as long given the sparse information provided.Instead, you get Werner Herzog (the writer/director) talking pretentious dribble about spirits and how the scientists supposedly want to leave the cave after a few hours because they feel they're being watched by the original inhabitants. I highly doubt the scientists said that. At one point he tells all the scientists to stop talking so that we can "listen to the sound of the cave" and "maybe hear our own heartbeats". Yeah Werner, why don't we all hold hands and say a prayer too? Anyway, instead of hearing a couple water droplets (if anything), he instead plays grating violin/cello music on the film for two minutes over the top of images from the cave. So much for listening to the silence. Oh and then he inserts a sound effect of a heartbeat *facepalm*.Not only that, but Werner Herzog's film direction is awkward and embarrassing for the people he interviews (he does this in his other documentaries as well). You know that awkward moment after everyone has laughed at a joke and there's a lull in the conversation? Or after someone is done talking to the camera, they get this look on their face like "So are you done filming?" - Well Werner makes sure you see those sorts of moments. Or he'll have his subjects just stare at the camera while holding a photo or something. It's extremely unflattering to the people interviewed.Oh yeah, and he interviews some perfumer (yes, that's right, a guy that makes perfume), and this guy goes around smelling cracks in rocks to see if he can "smell" other parts of the cave. Here I am begging for some genuine science and he's interviewing fruitcakes.Seriously you will wish NOVA, History, or NatGeo got the rights to film this cave instead. A documentary by those groups would've been far more informative.The only reason to watch this is to see images of the cave. There are a few amazing crumbs of science in this film (they do talk about a couple artifacts found), but it's like eating a potato chip when you're starving for a full meal.

lmcclenton Scientist guessing and using there imagination is not work. This movie has nothing but guesses and a lot of fiction. Non-sense. to have a previous circus juggler now get promoted to a scientist and an ancient site being turned into a tourist site is ridiculous. No information on the tools they used to paint!?! and no engravings?!?. It absolutely primal. I enjoyed the music but other than that it seem too unbelievable, It doesn't seem to really have any substance for real historians. Now if you want to be entertained I suggest the library. The black markings were made by what?? and the cave the remained sealed for 10,000 years with the deterioration.