The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner

Watch The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner

  • 1975
  • 45 min
  • 7.6  (2,802)

The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner is a documentary film from the year 1974 that explores the life of Walter Steiner, a Swiss ski jumper who competes in Olympic events. The film, directed by renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, looks closely at Steiner's passion for ski jumping and his sheer dedication to the sport as he prepares for the 1972 Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan.

Throughout the film, Herzog presents a unique and intimate portrait of Steiner, showcasing his devotion to the sport of ski jumping as well as the intense physical and emotional toll it takes on the athlete. The documentary also features stunning footage of Steiner in action, soaring through the air with grace and skill as he attempts to achieve the ultimate goal of Olympic gold.

One of the most notable aspects of The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner is the way in which Herzog uses the sport of ski jumping as a metaphor for the human condition. Through Steiner's story and the challenges he faces both in training and competition, the film explores themes of triumph over adversity, the pursuit of excellence, and the struggle to find meaning in life.

Herzog's signature style, marked by his poetic voiceover and rich imagery, only adds to the film's impact. Through his lens, we see Steiner not only as an athlete, but as a man whose passion for his sport borders on obsession. The shots of Steiner as he carves wooden figures in his free time, a hobby he takes up to calm his nerves before competitions, add yet another layer to his complex personality.

Another element that sets this film apart is its focus on the beauty and majesty of nature. The footage of Steiner flying through the air against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains is breathtaking, and serves as a tribute to the awe-inspiring power of the natural world.

Ultimately, The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner is a deeply inspiring and thought-provoking film that speaks to the human spirit and the power of perseverance. By following Steiner on his journey to the Olympics, Herzog creates a moving portrait of a man who embodies the true meaning of dedication and passion. Even for those who are not fans of ski jumping or sports in general, this film is a must-see for its stunning imagery, poetic storytelling, and powerful message of hope and inspiration.

The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner is a 1975 documentary with a runtime of 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.

The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner
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The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner is available to watch free on Plex and Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Amazon Prime. Some platforms allow you to rent The Great Ecstasy of Woodcarver Steiner for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1975
  • Runtime
    45 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (2,802)
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