Bells from the Deep

Werner Herzog's 1993 documentary concerns folk belief in Russia and figures who move at the edges of religion. Its best-known image is of pilgrims lying on the thin ice of Lake Svetloyar, trying to hear the bells of the legendary city of Kitezh beneath the water. Herzog later said the scene was staged, that the two men lying on the ice were drunk and were there for money. That admission changes how the film should be read: what Herzog is after is not factual accuracy but, in his own terms, a deeper image. The method has defenders and equally sharp critics. The film also follows a figure named Vissarion who declares himself the return of Christ, and a number of healers. Herzog narrates, and his commentary keeps reframing what the film shows. Who it's for: those curious about Herzog's idea of documentary and about folk religiosity in Russia. Who it's not for: viewers who expect factual accuracy from a documentary; some scenes here were arranged and the director admits it.