Werner Herzog's 'Theater of Thought' Documentary into the Science of the Mind to Finally Open in Theaters

Theater of Thought (Courtesy of Argot Pictures)

Werner Herzog. Theater of Thought trailer and release date — Theater of Thought (Courtesy of Argot Pictures)

Originally premiered in 2022, legendary filmmaker and documentarian Werner Herzog’s latest work, Theater of Thought, is set for its U.S. theatrical debut this December. The documentary delves into the study and technology of the human mind, following Herzog and Columbia professor Rafael Yuste as they travel across the country to meet innovators in cerebral research and bioethics.

Theater of Thought had its world premiere at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival. The documentary was also selected to screen at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival and the 2022 DOC NYC.

Release Date

Directed by Werner Herzog, Theater of Thought opens at New York’s Film Forum on December 13, 2024.

Synopsis

Through the lens of legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog, Theater of Thought takes audiences on a provocative journey into the study of the mind and consciousness, daring us to question whether we truly have autonomy over our thoughts, or if our brains will inevitably become infused with mind-controlling technology in the not so distant future. Gathering insight and predictions from some of the world’s most influential scientists and innovators, Theater of Thought is an exploration of the ethical, and existential, effects that neurotechnology presents in our rapidly advancing world.

After 50+ years exploring the far corners of the world, Werner Herzog focuses inward — on the human brain, via the cutting-edge field of neuroscience, with its attendant ethical quandaries. Joined by Columbia professor Rafael Yuste (the film’s science advisor), the two cross the country querying innovators in cerebral research and bioethics: Can computers help people communicate telepathically? How can the brain be stimulated to curb depression, pain, or the effects of Parkinson’s? Is thought control possible? Can fear be located in the brain? And — as only the beguiling Herzog could inquire — will a scientist be able to read his mind and see his film before he’s made it? Herzog’s curiosity is at its peak in this romp through technological advances once only the stuff of science fiction.

Reviews

David Ehrlich in an IndieWire review gave the documentary a B-, writing, “A characteristically playful documentary in which the filmmaker scrambles for whatever errant insight he can find into the world of tomorrow.”

Steve Pond in a TheWrap review also praised the film, writing, “A movie about exploring the mind – and if the mind we’re exploring most of the time is Herzog’s, well, there are far worse tour guides through this territory.”