My Best Fiend
My Best Fiend

My Best Fiend

1999Movie95 minGerman

A film that describes the love-hate relationship between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, the deep trust between the director and the actor, and their independently and simultaneously hatched plans to murder one another.

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Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic79/100
Google Users91%
Director: Klaus KinskiGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the tumultuous and legendary collaboration between eccentric German actor Klaus Kinski and acclaimed director Werner Herzog. Through archival footage, interviews, and Kinski's own home movies, the film explores their volatile relationship, marked by creative genius, intense passion, and frequent animosity. It offers a raw and unflating look at two artistic titans who pushed each other to their limits, resulting in some of cinema's most unforgettable films.

Critical Reception

My Best Fiend was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its candid and often shocking portrayal of the Kinski-Herzog dynamic. Reviewers lauded its raw honesty, the compelling performances (even in archival footage), and its insightful examination of artistic obsession. It's considered a definitive look at one of cinema's most fascinating and fraught creative partnerships.

What Reviewers Say

  • A raw and unflinching look at a legendary, volatile creative partnership.
  • Explores the complex symbiosis between Kinski and Herzog with gripping intensity.
  • Captures the sheer madness and genius behind their iconic films.

Google audience: Viewers found the documentary to be a fascinating and often disturbing insight into the intense relationship between Klaus Kinski and Werner Herzog. Many appreciated the raw footage and interviews that showcased the tumultuous nature of their collaboration, highlighting both the genius and the madness involved. The film is generally praised for its honesty and its ability to convey the unique artistic bond.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2000.

Fun Fact

During the filming of 'Aguirre, the Wrath of God,' Klaus Kinski famously threatened Werner Herzog with a machete, an incident recounted in both 'My Best Fiend' and Herzog's own memoir.

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