Signs of Life (1968)

'Signs of Life' is German director Werner Herzog's first feature film. Set during World War II on the peaceful Greek island Kos, three soldiers are stationed in an old fortress guarding ammunition. Peter Brogle plays Stroszek, a soldier wounded in combat and given this easy assignment as an opportunity to recuperate. Despite the natural beauty of the location, the quiet confinement and daily repetition push Stroszek over the edge into madness.
The setting is beautiful, Herzog captures the island and it's inhabitants quiet existence perfectly. I recall my time backpacking around similar locations and marvelling what a peaceful life it must be to roost in such surroundings. It often didn't take long though with the lack of activity and I would be quoting to myself the old line 'Nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live here'. Alas, having become accustomed to sources of entertainment and stimulation at my frog-like fingertips, I was rendered unable to sustain any serious length of stay. Poor Stroszek, submitted to a more permanent state of affairs, deals with his situation in a more extreme manner.

That is one set of mad eyes right there

Throughout this film are a number of shots seemingly insignificant or unconnected to the plot such as schools of tiny fish feeding on bread or locals citizens meandering along the streets. There are long scenes of daily life, the soldiers squabbling over how a wooden toy owl moves it's ears is oddly memorable. It's certainly possible to struggle a little with the slow pace of the first half of the film but stick with it, it allows an opportunity to appreciate the environment and how sadly it can lead to an individuals descent into a mental abyss. 
4/5 
Having seen a few Herzog films now I'm becoming more familiar with the themes and signatures of his work. Man versus nature and insanity, just like Signs of Life, are also dealt with in the ball tearing yarns 'Aguirre, Wrath of God' (1972) and 'Cobra Verde' (1987). Both of these films appropriately star the crazed enigma Klaus Kinski in memorable roles. Two other films of Herzogs that Kinski appears in are on my radar for viewing and again deal with similar themes. 'Woyzeck' (1979), the tale of a soldier put on a diet of peas who's mental state deteriorates (naturally) and 'Fitzcaraldo' (1982), about a businessman's attempts to have a steamboat dragged over the mountains of Peru (yes, a challenge). As interesting as his films is Herzog himself. In the below video he speaks of the vile baseness and misery of the jungle. Vastly amusing.