If you would ask me which movie director I though is one of the most interesting I would really only have one answer ready: Werner Herzog. He has made so many interesting movies and is such an interesting person himself that I always enjoy checking out his work. He’s someone who will effortlessly make a documentary, then a feature film but will also appear as an actor. From One Second to the Next is a documentary he has made in cooperation with the biggest phone companies in the US. Its goal is simple: To convince you that texting while driving is something you simply should not do as the consequences can be devastating.
There is only one way to make impact about this subject and that is to show the consequences of irresponsible driving. Various victims and their family talk about what has happened and how much pain they are still going through because of it. One of them is a boy who was holding hands with his sister while crossing the street and the next moment he was ripped out of her hand by a car. He survived, but is now disabled. Herzog also shows the other side with some of the people responsible talking about what they have done. They rightly ask the question how important one text message is compared to a life of someone else.
In most Werner Herzog documentaries you will hear him do a voiceover, but for this one it is not the case. This is not an issue because the subject is such an important one that the people speaking are all that’s needed to get the message across. Herzog has made a movie which will silence you as you see the consequences and impact on both the families of victims and on those who made a conscious decision to look at their phone while they were driving on the road with high-speed.
Although I generally do not use my phone while driving (I used to when I was younger), this movie makes you think again about what you are doing and what could happen. This movie should be a mandatory watch for any driver, especially for those just starting out. You can check it out now on Youtube (added below the score).
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BqFkRwdFZ0]
Only someone like Werner Herzog could do something like this and punch you in the gut without the need to embellish or overstate.
Yeah, he really knows how to get to the heart of a subject!
I hate to say it, but I am still guilty of this though I am much improved. My downfall is the one word reply to a text. I need to stop; because I have had some near misses–thankfully not pedestrians but other vehicles. That doesn’t make it better, but hopefully less likely to cause serious injury.
I have gotten myself into the habit of pulling over into a parking lot to look and respond.
Good review.
You should watch this Victor, it really is not worth it…maybe just put your phone on silent while driving?
Great review. I loved this movie and I love that people are still reviewing it. Herzog is my favorite living filmmaker. An interesting man indeed. This short rocked me.
Thanks Alex! He is an awesome director and this short shows he’s great.