When film fans speak about directors, they often go on about idiosyncratic styles or bellwether looks and techniques. You can rapidly identify a Hitchcock film. Same for something from Orson Welles. Scorsese has tendrils that can be traced through most of his films. But few directors inject themselves into the films they create to the extent that the trials and agonies of the production become legendary. Or become immortalized in a documentary. These are directors who encourage their crew to partake of the rough and tumble as well. Does this result in a film that transcends the ordinary --- or just war stories about how bad the conditions were?  Of the major world directors, one stands out as someone who will go to extraordinary lengths to accomplish their quest. And will successfully talk their backers and crew into following their lead, though it may take years to bring about the final film. And they may have to, purportedly, threaten an actor with a pistol to do so. Werner Herzog is able to capture his visions of protagonists that seek after the impossible, who are strangers in a strange land. As is he.  Website and blog: www.thosewonderfulpeople.com IG: @thosewonderfulpeople Twitter: @FilmsInTheDark