This film is controlled by Herzog's direction that is patient when needed, always explorative, and shocking in its depiction of the desperation in human nature. This film shows Cage at his peak, a peak he most likely won't reach again. The way the film ends with everything miraculously falling into place except Terrence's sanity is pure Herzog style; extremely abrupt, yet with a hint of depressing realism. This film isn't the most balanced and Cage's crazed role with Herzog's storytelling weirdness can pack in on a little much at times, but their is just so much to enjoy and even admire. Those two men at the top of their game create a film that is a deep as anyone wants it to be and as bitterly entertaining as films come.