The Werner Herzog’s Into the Abyss documentary visualizes the complicity of capital
punishment and how members associated with the victims are being negatively effected by the sentence. Herzog used many forms of interpretation to symbolize his decision on capital punishment. Michael Perry, a young boy living in Texas is placed on death row due to a repulsive act, costing lives of innocent people. Contemplating whether or not death row is the proper punishment for horrifying crimes, spectators view the film enlightened by emotional assets of the members of the punishment.
One of Herzog’s main interpretation to the film was through pathos, or emotional
visualization. This is apparent in the introduction of this film, when the camera is casted upon the execution chamber, while playing a low toned classical piece of music. The classical melody gives a reflection period for the viewers and due to the location of the camera, draws the audience to reflected on the victims that have perished in the chamber. Another example of pathos is shown when the body of Sandra Stotleris fount floating in a lake, dumped with not consideration. Again the camera views a sense of the floating body, while using a violin indicate depression and sorrow.
Werner Herzog also uses ethos, in other words good sense or will, through a conversation
with the victim, Michael Perry in the the prison. Herzog begins with interpreting, just because he is talking to this victim does not mean he likes him, but Herzog says, “but I will respect you,
because you are a human.” Herzog also refers to the fact that one human should not be cable of taking the life of another human. This symbolizes the moral decision of Werner Herzog, and how his believe of the death penalty is cruel and barbaric, even if the victim is savage of ways.
