Film Review – Queen of the Desert

In a case of weird timing, “Queen of the Desert” is actually the second Werner Herzog film released this week. In “Salt and Fire,” Herzog plays to his interests in art-house investigation, using strange rhythms and gorgeous cinematography to explore human oddity and environmental ache. In “Queen of the Desert,” the writer/director tries to pull off a more mainstream viewing experience, leading with romance and cinematic sweep as he dramatizes the life and times of English writer Gertrude Bell. Utilizing a larger budget and working with an eclectic cast, Herzog has the right idea here, following in David Lean’s footsteps as the saga touches on cultural shifts and adventurer solitude. What’s lacking from the picture is focus, often caught lingering on the love life of a woman who achieved and experienced far more than attention from multiple suitors.  Read the rest at Blu-ray.com