A pioneering German filmmaker, he is renowned for his distinctive narrative style and exploration of human resilience. Emerging from the New German Cinema movement, he gained acclaim with films like "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" and "Fitzcarraldo," often featuring challenging production environments. Beyond fiction, his documentaries, such as "Grizzly Man," reveal deep philosophical inquiries. Known for his unique voice and perspective, he remains an influential figure in both European and world cinema.