According to Werner Herzog, the lead in Schrei aus Stein is played by a mountain: the Cerro Torre in southern Patagonia, in Argentina. Thanks to its high and steep ice walls, the Cerro Torre is regarded as the most difficult mountain in the world to climb. And in the film, the Cerro Torre ‘plays’ the mountain which has never been conquered by a climber.The story is based on a true-life incident, which is however interpreted very freely. A famous mountain climber, the Italian Maestri, once returned alone from an attempt to climb the Cerro Torre. His companion had had an accident. Maestri said he had reached the summit, but he had no witness to bear him up.The film focuses on the rivalry between two very different climbers. Roccia represents the older generation which appeals to insight and lengthy experience and believes in the prevailing morality among those practising the noble sport of mountain climbing. Martin represents the new generation which has complete faith in its own ability and technique and does not shun glamour and publicity. The battle between the two culminates in their separate and repeated attempts to be the first to conquer the majestic Cerro Torre. At first Martin seems to be the winner on all fronts. He claims to have conquered the mountain, but cannot prove it because his companion has lost his life. He gains the attention of the media and even steals Roccia’s girl-friend Katharina. Roccia withdraws into loneliness at the foot of the cruel peak, but will have his revenge. In the end it is a battle without victors, according to Herzog.The critics were divided about the film, but it is without doubt ‘a physical film, as only Herzog can make them’ (Joyce Roodnat, NRC).
