Cobra Verde is a 1987 movie directed by Werner Herzog.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A bandit is sent to West Africa to convince a deranged King to resume slave trading with Brazil.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Cobra Verde is a vibrant Werner Herzog movie that features a classic Klaus Kinski performance.
THE ACTORS
In some respects, Cobra Verde is Kinski’s final powerful performance – or at least it’s his swan song with longtime collaborator Herzog. Kinski plays the bandit Cobra Verde with intriguing passive-aggressive tendencies – similar to the actor’s natural personality. For long stretches, Kinski is sullen – acting nearly entirely with his expressive eyes. As the movie progresses, Kinski seethes with contempt – erupting against the cast of countless native extras. Yet at times, the performance feels empty – an aging actor is prodded into rage.
THE DIRECTOR
Herzog’s setting is again brutally natural – we see the human and physical decay of an abandoned settlement, along with the casual degradation of chained slaves. There is no social statement to be made here – Herzog is again creating masterful realism. The scope of extras employed are extraordinary – his cameras continue to pull back revealing endless natives. In more narrative scenes, the brilliant colors, emotions and language of the locals creates a vibrancy not found in most movies.
THE BEST – Man vs Man
The movie’s ending is quintessential Herzog, as Kinski’s Cobra Verde wants to escape to the ocean. It’s a classic struggle among man – and likely the reckoning of a brutal environment causing madness.
THE BEST Part 2 – Put Through the Ringer
Few directors put their lead actors through more physical struggle. In Cobra Verde, a mud-soaked Kinski pans for minerals, is wrapped in a cloth tomb, has his hands and legs bound and face tarred. These scenes are essential for the narrative, but I wonder how much enjoyment Herzog also felt?
THE BEST Part 3 – Chaos
The cast of hundreds of natives jabbing spears and swords, while a crazed Kinski is kicking and pushing his way through the masses is a sight to behold.
THE WORST – Who is Cobra Verde?
Cobra Verde is a thrilling spectacle but I never had a sense of what the main character was seeking. While he retains a mystical vision of the ocean, the main character’s life appears to randomly unfold. There’s not much direction apparent and in the end, madness consumes Kinski’s character. Even the dreamy aspects of Herzog’s other projects seems to be lacking.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
Cobra Verde is a must watch for Herzog and Kinski fans. It’s likely Kinski’s last great performance – yet it also feels like a condensed reprisal of his earlier, more spectacular efforts. Still, it’s Herzog and Kinski, which makes for an extraordinary experience.
