Film Lens
Bells from the Deep: Faith and Superstition in Russia is a documentary by Werner Herzog that investigates Russian mysticism. The film begins with Vissarion, a faith healer who claims to be the reincarnation of God. Herzog presents interviews with Russians and scenes from religious services, focusing on Vissarion and the practices of Siberian nomads.
The second half of the film shifts to the legend of the lost city of Kitezh, which was said to be saved from destruction by being submerged in a lake. The story is told through the accounts of a local priest and pilgrims visiting the lake, who believe they can hear the bells from the submerged city. Herzog admits to embellishing the narrative, including hiring drunks to simulate pilgrims on the ice, to convey a deeper truth about Russia's fate and soul.
Why Watch
- •Meet Vissarion, the faith healer claiming divine reincarnation.
- •Find out about the legend of the lost city of Kitezh.
- •See how Herzog blends truth and fiction in storytelling.
Did You Know
•Vissarion claims to be the reincarnation of God, similar to Jesus.
•The film features a legend about Kitezh, a city submerged in a lake.
•Herzog hired two drunks to simulate pilgrims crawling on the ice.
Perfect For
Russian mysticismDocumentary filmmakingLegends and folklore