Burden of Dreams is a 1982 documentary that captures the chaos, inspiration and obsession on the set of a troubled film production. The acclaimed German director Werner Herzog wants to film the epic story of "Fitzcarraldo," a movie about a man determined to build an opera house in the middle of the jungle against every piece of advice or logic. As Herzog's own complicated film production begins to experience every sort of problem in the South American jungle, he begins to mirror the obsessive drive of his lead character in order to bring his vision to completion. Weather creates havoc with the shooting schedule, key cast members Jason Robards and Mick Jagger leave the production in the middle of filming, and even a war breaks out between nearby Peru and Ecuador. Director Les Blank captures both the insanity and inspiration behind the scenes of this challenging production as well as the perseverance of artistic vision.moreless