This awe-inspiring documentary effectively showcases the possibilities of 3D film. Directed, written and narrated by German filmmaker Werner Herzog, Cave of Forgotten Dreams centres on the discovery and study of the Chauvet Cave in southern France. The cave, which was discovered in 1994, is home to what is now believed to be the earliest known cave paintings and various traces of early civilisation.
The fact that the subject of the film is such a monumental discovery already provides a lot of the film’s allure. Herzog with his film crew, along with scientists and archaeologists take us through the cave, providing both facts and insights about its previous inhabitants. I was astounded by the cave paintings – many of which are so life-like and perfect – really challenging the notion of a “primitive” people whose drawings are basic and stick figure-like. The paintings in the Chauvet Cave show complexity, attention to detail and artistic ability – as one of the scientists states, the paintings look so fresh that they had to be verified of their authenticity.
While it is a basic premise – the discovery of these ancient cave paintings – the film moves into more profound territory. Contemplating the origin of these paintings inevitably leads to thoughts of origin of humankind itself. Though this is a significant unearthing, the film ultimately reminds us of how insignificant the place of modern society is, within the larger scheme of history. To think that thousands of years separates the being who drew one of the pictures and the scientist standing there presently, is almost beyond comprehension. So as well as being a basic tour of an ancient site, Cave of Forgotten Dreams also has a philosophical and spiritual layer of emotion and ideas underpinning the film.
This is where the 3D technology is put to good use. As entry to the cave is restricted to general tourists, the film allows audiences to glimpse at these wonders and at times, it feels as if we are there too with Herzog, crawling through the shadows and sparkles of the grand cave and having the opportunity to examine these artefacts very closely. The fact that many of the paintings are on curved surfaces and features of the cave (i.e. literally on 3-dimensional “easels”) is also another reason why the 3D technology can capture them so accurately.
Another interesting element of the film is the behind the scenes and the reflexive element the documentary. Herzog narrates the film, and at the beginning, provides some insight into restrictions faced when capturing the cave on film. For instance, as visitors are only allowed to walk along a thin metal path, there is no place for the camera crew to move out of the shot, as Herzog points out. Instead, we often see one of the crew members in the shot or in the shadow, etc. The fact that only four crew members were allowed to enter with the research team also meant that many of them, such as Herzog himself, had to look after various technical aspects at once. Other restrictions included the type and amount of lighting the crew could use and even the time they were allowed to spend (only an hour in one part of the cave). So given these difficulties, I think this film very successfully managed to provide the audience with an accurate and engaging experience of the cave.
The music in the film is mostly classical and ranges from violins and chanting to an eerie, hollow song and the sound of a heart beating (complementing the moment when the research team stands still to absorb the sounds of the cave). Ultimately, I found Cave of Forgotten Dreams a really engaging and inspiring film not only for history buffs and archaeological enthusiasts but for anyone who wishes to take a glimpse into life in the past and the origin of humanness itself.
4/5
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