Holding at six.
I've warmed to both of these over the years. I didn't like
McCabe's all-out revisionism, the constant overlapping dialogue which didn't seem to mean anything, even Zsigmond's usual exemplary photography was
too grimy and lived in. The whole thing had the opposite of the intended effect - it screamed look at me! The reason you're watching this is because I'm a movie! That was true but I wasn't planning on watching it again in the near-future.
Aguirre had an incredible opening shot with awesome music but then it seemed to slow to a snail's pace. Kinski was a madman, but not one I wanted to share much time with. These were my original thoughts.
I now think both are better -
Aguirre much better - than I originally thought. The South American adventure was rich in atmosphere, often surrealistic, subtly funny and Kinski was always fascinating exactly because he was so unpredictable. He was just as wild as the young Brando, albeit without the sex appeal. No wonder he and Herzog loved each other so much and wanted to kill each other. I still have problems with
McCabe but I appreciate it more now, especially the leads who are always likable on screen. I still find the details overdone, but some of the quieter moments do pay off in creating an elegaic mood. I've been told I'm not an Altman fan, but I like him OK, so I guess that's right. I'm not the kind of fan who thinks he starts off several steps ahead of every other director. Do you expect me to do that with any director? DO YOU?