Cave of Forgotten Dreams is a documentary created and led by Werner Herzog in 2011. It is one of if not the only documentary films about the glory that is Paleolithic art especially those of Chauvet Cave in France.
This is a documentary for all kinds of people, but the most targeted audience would have to be A. Filmmakers and B. Anthropologists of all kinds as well as curious individuals.
a. The cinematography found in this documentary is jaw draping. The music paired with the scenes, (with or without the camera crew in them) meld so perfectly together you feel as if you are there in the cave with them, seeing through their eyes. It is a remarkable experience, although it is one that compares not at all to the real thing. The camera work, and editing is fantastic, any documentary film maker would do good to watch this and use it as a template for their own documentaries.
B. The historical and cultural importance of this documentary is one that should be shown in every classroom across the world. This history pertains to our history, our shared human history dating back to near 40,000 years ago. (The documentary says 30 but new research has revealed some of the cave paintings are even older than perviously thought).
The chance to see these paintings, even in 2D on a monitor is worth more than never seeing them at all, as unfortunately most of us never will. It is awe inspiring and dare I say soul touching to see these paintings, and think, “What was going through their mind? Why here?” and so many other questions. The documentary goes into the details of the why’s and how’s, and explains in detail the artistic, and cultural importance.
This documentary is a must see for those of all interests and aspects. If you’re a human, you should see this film at least one time. To learn something about yourself you never knew.
The beautiful film will occupy your mind days after watching it, there are just so many questions and so few answers that come up when one is presented with such information. But through this film, there is so much to be seen, heard, learned, and almost felt.
IF you have not seen this film, I highly recommend watching it today, I know its on iTunes, I’m not sure about other streaming services, it did used to be on Netflix but not any longer.
If you have any questions please feel free to comment below! Here or the on the post you are seeing this on!
World of Paleoanthropology 