“Werner Herzog Reviews A Hotel On Yelp”

Sometimes the best impressions aren’t necessarily the most precise, but those that capture the aura of their subject. But in the case of Paul F. Tompkins’ version of filmmaker (and kinda real life superhero?) Werner Herzog, it is spot on in sound and spirit. Not only does the actor/comedian/perennial podcast guest completely nail the strained Teutonic timbre of Herzog’s voice, but Tompkins also manages to convey the elevated lexicon of nihilistic poetry that the maker of GRIZZLY MAN seems to effortlessly compose.

The co-lead of THERE WILL BE BLOOD cranks the absurdity even higher by marrying that grim existentialism with the pedestrian musings of people’s reviews on the Internet. It’s a recurring bit (that always works), but this particular example features “Werner Herzog” compiling his Yelp review for a local hotel. The audio is taken from one of the live tour episodes of the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast and is rendered in simple but delightful animation by YouTuber Gee Whiz. And for those who are curious—Herzog has given his seal of approval to Tompkins’ work.