Cave of Forgotten Dreams - B-

In theaters. Rated PG, 90 minutes. Trailer.

Director Werner Herzog is fascinated with human existence and how our species fits into the world. Cave explores the Chauvet cave in France, which was only recently discovered and which contains the oldest known cave drawings. Herzog's signature commentary and lingering, contemplative cinematography frame this meditative documentary about the fascinating cave drawings. The drawings are amazingly preserved and contain much artistry, and Herzog does a good job of making them compelling. Wow, though, this film is about 30 minutes too long with lingering shots of the drawings that are so long its almost comical - with that trim, this would be a B+ or an A-.