“Does the Internet Dream About Itself?” –Herzog
A good documentary should stimulate your mind to consider questions and issues that may not have occurred to you before. Lo and Behold – Reveries of The Connected World, written and directed by Werner Herzog, does make us think and it contributes to the body of knowledge about the subject of the Internet, both technically and culturally. In fact the documentary seems prophetic, at certain times, when we consider recent revelations about the Internet being used to hack and interfere in political affairs, infiltrate power grids of businesses, utilities and governments.
This well-edited and well-paced documentary is divided in to ten areas that consider and explore ideas, personal views and issues about the Internet. First the “Early Days” and an explanation how the Internet began, what it is and what it could have been. Next, “The Glory of the Internet” a look at some interesting uses and outcomes of people connected creatively. Part three, “The Dark Side”, is a look at some of the more sinister uses of the Internet. Followed by “Life Without The Internet” and people who have learned to live without cell phones including Herzog. Part five, “The End of The Internet,” what would life be like with no Internet. Then part six, “Earth Invaders,” where we meet famed hacker, Kevin Metnick who talks about the uses of metadata and the prospects of cyber war. The Internet was not designed for privacy. In the seventh segment, “Internet On Mars,” Herzog interviews Elon Musk about his ambition to colonize Mars and bring the Internet with him. Part eight “Artificial Intelligence” looks at the role of AI and how it is tied in with Internet. The ninth segment, “The Internet of Me.” Is the Internet the worst enemy of critical thinking? Lastly, part ten covers “The Future.”
From a directing standpoint, Lo and Behold is a classically structured documentary that explores issues on a particular subject. In this case the Internet. The approach is similar to other documentary films directed by Werner Herzog in that, at times, the documentary may seem a bit theatrical. For example the use of music that seems a bit foreboding and dramatic. Herzog has a knack for finding both expected and unexpected sources for interviews. His interviews allow the interviewees to express their experiences and point-of-view. Most of the time Herzog removes his questions but at times we hear his comments or narration. There is a subtle sense of irony and humor in Herzog’s approach to storytelling. The story moves seamlessly from one topic to another using interviews with experts, people who’s lives have been affected by the internet and visual complementary action, that includes graphics and animation to help tell the story. The story, typical of Herzog, has a mix of fact, emotion, mystery and conspiracy. In this story it all seems to be based in actuality.
Herzog is able to go beyond the expected and explore issues in a way that stimulates thinking based on new and sometimes novel insights. “Lo and Behold” definitely leaves the viewer with something to think about.
Documentaries by Werner Herzog: Grizzly Man and Cave of Forgotten Dreams and others.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
Lo and Behold Available on Netflix
AMAZON (CLICK COVER BELOW)
[amazon_image id=”B01KZKMQXI” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World[/amazon_image]
Books by James R Martin
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