Alex Shephard interviews Werner Herzog on why he's making a 3D movie, why Roger Ebert should be "weighed in gold," and on the advantages of "extreme" characters or situations:
I think when you are looking at a city from its outskirts on a hill you probably understand the pattern of the city much better than being right inside. And I think looking at a human being from a far-out position gives you more insight; you will have more insight into the human condition. Let me make a metaphor: If you want to test an alloy of metal you would find out about its structure by placing it under extreme heat, under extreme pressure, under extreme radiation — then you will understand the very nature of this metal alloy.
(Hat Tip: 3QD)
The Dish 