Rosi & Herzog: Volcanoes, Ruins & the Search for Giants – Film Review

The raw power of the natural world, and humanity’s often precarious relationship with it, takes center stage in two compelling new documentaries. “Pompei: Below the Clouds,” from director Leonardo Rosi, offers a haunting meditation on life in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, while Werner Herzog’s “Ghost Elephants” plunges into the remote landscapes of Africa in search of the continent’s largest land mammal. Both films, though vastly different in scope and approach, underscore the unsettling beauty and inherent danger of a planet constantly in flux, and the enduring human stories woven into its dramatic narrative. These aren’t simply nature documentaries; they are explorations of memory, resilience, and the fragile balance between existence and oblivion.

Herzog, known for his immersive and often unconventional filmmaking style, and Rosi, celebrated for his observational documentaries focusing on Italy, both present narratives that are deeply rooted in place. While Herzog’s perform often focuses on extreme environments and the individuals who inhabit them, Rosi’s films tend to be more focused on the everyday lives of people living alongside significant historical or geological forces. The common thread, but, is a profound respect for the power of nature and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about our place within it. The exploration of these themes through documentary filmmaking provides a unique lens through which to examine our collective anxieties about the future and our relationship with the planet.

The Shadow of Vesuvius: Memory and Resilience in “Pompei: Below the Clouds”

Leonardo Rosi’s “Pompei: Below the Clouds” isn’t a traditional disaster film, despite being set in the shadow of one of the world’s most infamous volcanoes. Instead, it’s a quietly observant portrait of contemporary life in and around Naples, Italy, a region steeped in history and perpetually threatened by geological instability. The film opens with a quote from Jean Cocteau: “Vesuvius makes all the clouds in the world,” immediately establishing a poetic and atmospheric tone. Rosi’s monochrome palette further enhances this mood, creating a visual landscape that feels both timeless and ethereal. As noted in an IMDb review, the film’s strength lies in its ability to find individuals whose actions and voices speak to a deeper sense of conscience.

The film features a prosecutor lamenting the theft of frescoes from ancient sites, highlighting the ongoing struggle to preserve cultural heritage. A dedicated teacher working with children in Naples embodies a commitment to the future, even amidst the weight of the past. Perhaps most strikingly, the film focuses on two Syrian workers stationed at the port of Torre Annunziata, handling Ukrainian grain. Their perspective, seemingly unfazed by the region’s known geological risks and organized crime, offers a poignant contrast to the historical anxieties surrounding the area. Their simple statement – “It’s a safe city. There’s no danger here” – resonates with a quiet defiance and a testament to the human capacity to adapt and find normalcy even in precarious circumstances.

Rosi masterfully interweaves past and present, incorporating footage from Roberto Rossellini’s 1954 film “Journey to Italy” within the narrative. This technique, projected in an abandoned cinema, serves as a lament for the fading medium of film itself, and a reminder of the impermanence of all things. The film’s visual language, characterized by hazy skies and ghostly imagery, reinforces this sense of transience. The director urges viewers to experience “Pompei: Below the Clouds” on the largest screen possible, acknowledging the potential for these cinematic spaces to become relics of the past.

In Search of Giants: Herzog and the Elusive Elephants of “Ghost Elephants”

Werner Herzog’s “Ghost Elephants,” streaming on Disney+ and Hulu beginning March 8th, 2026, represents another foray into the natural world for the prolific filmmaker. The documentary follows conservationist Steve Boyes on a quest to confirm the existence of living descendants of Henry, the largest elephant on record, felled in Angola in 1955. According to Cineuropa’s review, Herzog’s signature style – characterized by a relentless curiosity and a willingness to embrace the unexpected – is fully on display.

The journey begins at the Smithsonian Institution, where Henry’s remains are meticulously preserved. Boyes’s awe at encountering this colossal creature fuels his determination to find living relatives in the Angolan highlands. Herzog then shifts the focus to Namibia, where Boyes enlists the facilitate of San hunter-gatherers to navigate the challenging terrain. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the natural world, showcasing the San people’s traditional hunting techniques, including the creation of poisoned arrows from beetle grubs. This segment of the film also incorporates the perspective of Kerllen Costa, an environmental anthropologist, who recounts the devastating impact of the Angolan Civil War on wildlife populations.

Herzog’s films often explore the complex relationship between humans and nature, and “Ghost Elephants” is no exception. The documentary highlights the devastating consequences of conflict on animal populations, reminding viewers that war is not solely a human endeavor but also a war against the natural world. The film’s narrative structure, characterized by digressions and unexpected turns, reflects Herzog’s belief that every step of the journey holds value, and that the process of exploration is as significant as the destination itself. The culmination of Boyes’s quest, revealed at the film’s end, provides a satisfying resolution to a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

The Phlegraean Fields: A Volcanic Threat

Both documentaries, though geographically distinct, touch upon the theme of living with geological risk. “Pompei: Below the Clouds” specifically highlights the Phlegraean Fields, an active eight-mile-wide caldera located west of Naples. This area, known for its volcanic activity and seismic instability, poses a significant threat to the surrounding population. The caldera has experienced periods of unrest in recent years, raising concerns about a potential future eruption. The Campi Flegrei, as it is known locally, is one of the most densely populated volcanic areas in the world, with over 3.6 million people living within its vicinity, according to the Volcano Discovery website. Monitoring efforts are ongoing, but the potential for a catastrophic eruption remains a constant concern.

Documentary as Witness: Reflecting on Our Place in a Changing World

“Pompei: Below the Clouds” and “Ghost Elephants” represent more than just compelling cinematic experiences; they are vital documents of our time. They force us to confront the fragility of life, the power of nature, and the enduring human spirit. Rosi’s film serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and learning from the past, while Herzog’s documentary underscores the urgent demand for conservation efforts in the face of environmental degradation. Both films, in their own unique ways, invite us to reflect on our place in a changing world and to consider the legacy we will leave behind.

As climate change continues to accelerate and natural disasters become more frequent, the themes explored in these documentaries will only become more relevant. The stories of those living in the shadow of Vesuvius, and those working to protect endangered species, offer valuable lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the importance of respecting the natural world. The next step in understanding the ongoing volcanic risk in the Naples area will be the continued monitoring of the Phlegraean Fields by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), with updates available on their official website.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of nature, history, and human resilience as depicted in these documentaries? Share your comments below, and please share this article with others who might find it insightful.