Cave of forgotten Dreams - Werner Herzog
This takes place in Southern France, in the grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, leading us back to a time when the Neanderthal was still roaming through what is known as Europe today. In this cave, 32000-year-old rock paintings have been discovered, along with bones of cave bears and other animals. No human remains were found. So, who were these painters? What had brought them there? What made them paint after all?
The images combined with the music are quite mesmerizing.
Nevertheless, I couldn't help but think that it is too much of an effort to make this period of human history appear sublime and pregnant with religious meaning, as if these people had a closer connection to what is nowadays considered sacred. I think there were some basic facts missing about these people. For example, we should keep in mind that people back then had a life expectancy of about 16 years. This was just enough time to procreate and survive a few winters. These painters were children in mind, and probably those who were able to procreate, still had the mind of a 5-year-old. Put some pens into a child's hand that just had its food, and it instantly draws.