Werner Herzog is one of the most respected, revered German actor-filmmaker who has earned a splendid reputation in Hollywood as well. A pioneer of movies and documentaries, Herzog’s weird reputation and often unusual tales precede his reputation but he is nonetheless an individual who has contributed massively to cinema, with many accolades to his name.
And so while his opinions on other cinematic works would matter, fans can hardly believe what he has to say about last year’s box-office charting Margot Robbie’s movie, Barbie. In a recent interview, the director-filmmaker revealed how he thought the movie was sheer hell and fans have had some dramatic reactions to his claims.
Werner Herzog Labels Margot Robbie’s Blockbuster Sheer Hell
One does not need any introduction to Margot Robbie‘s pink blockbuster Barbie (unless you are a hater yourself). The movie, along with Oppenheimer, kicked off a phenomenon that hardly anyone had ever witnessed. From its unique storyline to intense social commentary, Robbie’s movie was instrumental in bringing a social revolution and battling the hardcore misogynistic ideals that continue to rule the world no matter how far we have come (see Medium and The Bule Banner).
Yet Oscar-nominated German director, Werner Herzog has remained unimpressed. The unconventional director (see D Magazine) was unfazed by the unconventional theme of the movie. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan (who is a known Barbie hater), Herzog stated,
“Barbie, I managed to see the first half-hour. I was curious and I wanted to watch it because I was curious. And I still don’t have an answer, but I have a suspicion – could it be that the world of Barbie is sheer hell? For a movie ticket, as an audience, you can witness sheer hell, as close as it gets.”
While his comments seemed to be more directed towards the world of Barbie rather than the movie’s actual premise, fans were left confused if he had seen the same movie that went on to gross a billion-dollar at the box office.
Fans Cannot Believe Werner Herzog’s Harsh Comments On Barbie
Werner Herzog is among the most revered German filmmakers in the world with an Oscar nomination to his name. Known for his unusual approach to the art of filmmaking, fans of Barbie were unable to believe his harsh comments towards the movie, which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing movies ever made (see Box Office Mojo).
And so this is how many of them reacted on the internet,
He wasn't Kenough pic.twitter.com/kbhxZIXoRv
— Glenn Williams (@GlennHasABeard) February 23, 2024
Why you think your opinion matters after several nominations and a billion and a half dollars later, is SMH. How much have your films made? Did they create a phenom cultural moment in society? Yeah, didn't think so. Sit down.
— Toni Hagan (@Toni360278) February 23, 2024
He's just mad it has more nominations than he's ever received in his life.
— Greg (@Gxk002) February 23, 2024
It's a feeling, not a reality. So glad he didn't like it. It wasn't for him.
— Citizens That Know (CitizensKnow on Threads, Post) (@CitizensKnow) February 24, 2024
It’s a masterpiece tbh. I don’t know how smart the director was but it’s a very conservative film.
— jez (@MoxmoJez) February 24, 2024
EVERYBODY BOO THIS MAN pic.twitter.com/XwvIUPSQEu
— ً (@tylerduran21) February 23, 2024
After his comments went viral, most fans stated his opinion did not matter, yet others seemed to advise the director to see the movie again with an open mind.
While it doesn’t look like he’d be watching the movie again, one thing is for sure, opinions are just opinions, and when the majority seems to agree that Barbie is a blockbuster, Herzog’s comments hardly matter.
Meanwhile, Barbie can be streamed on Max.
