What would director Werner Herzog write about his most recent project, a surreal remake set in New Orleans?

Earlier this summer, HarperCollins published the book, “Conquest of the Useless: Reflections from the Making of Fitzcarraldo,” collecting journal entries from the chaotic shooting Herzog’s masterpiece, “Fitzcarraldo.” Vanity Fair took the ball and rolled with it, imagining what the brooding director would write about the “Bad Lieutenant” remake he is currently directing with Nicholas Cage, Val Kilmer, and Eva Mendes.

Check it out: “Cage has been obsessively poring over the laminated safety guide for what could be hours. Even as I write, his angular countenance rises above the seat in front of me like a white devil. With halting, Preslean delivery, he voices alternative scenarios for the pamphlet’s illustrations.” (Herzog photo via)