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My Best Fiend -- Klaus Kinski
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My Best Fiend -- Klaus Kinski

1999
Documentary
1h 35m
In the 1950s, when Werner Herzog was 13, he was sharing an apartment with Klaus Kinski, an ego-maniacal live-wire. In an unabated, 48 hour fit of rage, Kinski destroyed every piece of furniture in sight. From this chaos, a beautiful albeit volatile partnership was born. In 1972, Herzog cast Kinski in Aguirre, The Wrath of God. Four more films would follow. In this personal documentary, Herzog traces the often violent up and downs of their relationship, revisiting Munich apartment where they first met - and thrashed, and the various locations of their films. (imdb)
Directed by:
Werner Herzog Werner Herzog
Written by:
Werner Herzog Werner Herzog
Starring:
Claudia Cardinale Claudia Cardinale Werner Herzog Werner Herzog Klaus Kinski Klaus Kinski Eva Mattes Eva Mattes Justo González Benino Moreno Placido
More
Genre:
Documentary
AKA:
Mein Liebster Feind - Klaus Kinski
Countries:
Finland, Germany, UK, USA
Languages:
English, Spanish, German
imdb More information at IMDb
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My Best Fiend -- Klaus Kinski

1999
Documentary
1h 35m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 65.66% from 692 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(692)
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jimmynmujimmynmu
Rated 21 Jan 2007
73
64th
Good but needs more of Kinski himself! Besides a few fantastic archive footage we only see Kinski through clips of Herzog's films. The ending is fantastic though, nearly brought me to tears.
Rated 21 Jan 2007
hellsditchhellsditch
Rated 12 Aug 2009
84
81st
Surely the only doc where a noted filmmaker describes, in detail, how he nearly firebombed the house of his leading man. Well, until Spielberg makes a similar one about Shia LeBouf, maybe...what a collaboration those two have going on. Anyway, Herzog does his typically great job of illustrating the long and tumultuous partnership between himself and the maniacal Kinski through a myriad of interviews, clips and reminisces spawned by Herzog visiting the sites of some of their greatest triumphs.
Rated 12 Aug 2009
manhattaManhatta
Rated 30 Dec 2007
67
36th
As much a retrospective on the golden period of Herzog as it is on a tumultuous friendship. For some reason I find that disingenuous, with scenes of long monologues of Herzog describing his feelings of the jungle (from the excellent "Burden of Dreams") and only short snippets of the craziness that is Klaus Kinski (his Jesus speech needed more screentime). Also, Herzog asked the makers of Burden of Dreams not to use the footage of Kinski throwing a tantrum, and then used it himself. Disappointing
Rated 30 Dec 2007
farzanFarzan
Rated 07 Feb 2007
79
73rd
A good documentary, and the interviews with all the old cast members were interesting. Especially the one with Eva Mattes. I don't mean to plagiarise jimmynmu's review, but the ending nearly brought me to tears as well. If your a fan of Kinski and Herzog, this is worth a look. If your not, don't bother.
Rated 07 Feb 2007
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 12 Sep 2008
3
45th
All the archive footage in this movie is fantastic. That makes it worth a watch alone. It's clear that Herzog has immense respect and affection for Kinski, but his recollections of their relationship seem pretty one-sided. Even so, it's an excellent documentary for anyone interested in the subject matter.
Rated 12 Sep 2008
pilgermannpilgermann
Rated 06 Feb 2007
70
52nd
Overall this is a very good documentary, and certainly important to Herzog. I felt that there were too many clips from various Herzog/Kinski films, but altogether this is a very interesting and entertaining film. The opening and closing scenes are fantastic.
Rated 06 Feb 2007
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 10 Dec 2008
85
80th
The interviews for the most part are great but one has trouble shaking the feeling that the movie is sometimes extremely one sided. But that really is the only minor gripe and after you get past that your really treated to some incredible stories and footage.
Rated 10 Dec 2008
joojooJooJoo
Rated 14 Jul 2008
5
80th
A fascinating look at a fascinating man who fascinated us all.
Rated 14 Jul 2008
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 26 May 2011
80
68th
Herzog tells some stories here that are jaw-dropping. I won't ruin any of them here, but these are cases where reality is stranger than fiction. The director and the actor both come across as a little mad, which is great.
Rated 26 May 2011
davidjohnsonDavidJohnson
Rated 27 Mar 2012
85
79th
I found a lot of the movie funny in a black comedy sort of way. Werner describing his childhood with him, the many fights, contemplating his murder, etc. The line where he says he will put 8 bullets in his head, and the 9th will be for himself was both shocking and hilarious at the same time. Unfortunately there aren't any clips of Klaus Kinski just talking normally, they mostly just focused on the fits of anger. He's a very interesting guy. The documentary is full of classic Herzog narration.
Rated 27 Mar 2012
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 21 Apr 2022
70
45th
Kinski's persona seems unhinged but this made me appreciate his acting a lot more. That version of Fitzcarraldo with Mick Jagger looked dreadful.
Rated 21 Apr 2022
klausglenskiKlausGlenski
Rated 26 Jul 2009
80
80th
Very interesting to see the ambivalent relationship between Herzog and Kinski which seems to be love or hatred but never something in between. Maybe this ambivalent nature of their relationships made it possble to draw an almost objective image of Kinski since Herzog observed either side of him. Of course, Herzog was not able to be objective concerning himself...within conflicts between them he usually sees himself in the right position. 26/07/09
Rated 26 Jul 2009
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 07 Feb 2007
70
35th
Herzog has a fascinating subject to work with -- Klaus Kinski -- but he frequently spoils it by going on irrelevant tangents... usually self-serving bits about himself and his movies. The documentary as a whole feels unfocused and disjointed. I wanted more archival footage (all of which is mesmerizing) and less blathering from the director.
Rated 07 Feb 2007
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 02 Mar 2007
75
89th
Incredible insight into two extraordinary people, a fantastic director and a great actor.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 02 Dec 2008
75
65th
This compilation of excellent archive footage (seriously, watch it just for this) and Herzog's anecdotes about Kinski was surprisingly interesting. While I can't see anyone who isn't familiar with their collaborations appreciate this, if you've seen any one of the pair's 5 films (particularly Aguirre and Fitzcarraldo, which are featured the most), you should get something out of it.
Rated 02 Dec 2008
shmendrekShmendrek
Rated 25 Feb 2008
4
83rd
You get the feeling that in their own very strange way, these two understood each other better than anyone else could. The film certainly isn't perfect. At times Herzog seems more interested in talking about himself than talking about Kinski, ostensibly the subject of the film. But it's still a wonderfully personal piece and I highly recommend it.
Rated 25 Feb 2008
k177105k177105
Rated 13 Jan 2024
75
45th
The singular strangeness and fascinating humanity of Kinski: absolutely crazy and unbearable, but also unbelievably passionate, diligent and focused to the point that no other sane or insane human beings could reach, with his own side of simple (sometimes almost boyish) warmth and affection. The last scene of Kinski playing with a butterfly is quite enticing: not hard to imagine him being really good with women.
Rated 13 Jan 2024
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 24 Jun 2015
80
77th
Being kissed on the mouth by Klaus Kinski is my new nightmare.
Rated 24 Jun 2015
sirsassSirSass
Rated 21 Nov 2020
65
55th
https://youtu.be/KSNJGLurpuQ?t=238
Rated 21 Nov 2020
bolivarbolivar
Rated 04 Nov 2012
75
75th
I did enjoy it, yes; this was, however, mostly because of the fantastic material and the amazing phenomena that is Klaus Kinski. the dubbing during the interviews annoyed me to no ends and herzog is overly present, shadowing the content of the movie. I can't shake the feeling off me that it's wrong to have such a one-sided version presented as the one truth. Eva Mattes opened the door and gave a glimpse to what might have made the story much deeper.
Rated 04 Nov 2012
darkmandarkman
Rated 11 Nov 2009
78
73rd
Very interesting. Great portrait of Klaus Kinski.
Rated 11 Nov 2009
kito1kito1
Rated 22 Mar 2017
70
73rd
Interesting memories by Werner Herzog.
Rated 22 Mar 2017
neonmanNeonman
Rated 13 Sep 2016
75
50th
Watching Herzog in the midst of making films, or just reminiscing about making films, is often very inspiring to watch. Doesn't get as in-depth into the relation between these two as it should, but we do get some revealing footage of them, as well as some re-exploring of the Aguirre locations.
Rated 13 Sep 2016
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 17 Dec 2016
79
57th
Herzog making this feels a bit awkward at times as he is both the filmmaker and a subject and the way those lines cross sometimes harms the film, though at other times it benefits it. Despite the many interviews and some more personal anecdotes it all feels a bit superficial, like we get to know Kinski the (anti)social being but not the person inside his head, but I suppose that too says something about him. It's interesting but not the powerhouse doc I was hoping for.
Rated 17 Dec 2016
teeceeteecee
Rated 18 Oct 2008
60
89th
Kinski er et fantastisk og samtidigt afskyeligt menneske.
Rated 18 Oct 2008
yiannosYiannos
Rated 19 Dec 2017
60
48th
(Viewed on 21/12/12): Herzog and Kinski made some great films together, and it's no secret that they didn't always get along. It's also no secret that they both enjoying bending the truth when it's convenient, entertaining or profitable to do so. My Best Fiend is perfectly enjoyable on its own terms, but it's doubtful if fans of their collaborations will find anything truly new or revelatory here as it mostly covers old ground. Worthwhile for hardcore fans, but that's it.
Rated 19 Dec 2017
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 19 Apr 2009
73
44th
Only worth watching if you've seen several Klaus Kinski/Werner Herzog movies, but if you've seen them, then the footage from those films will be just a repeat for you, and without subtitles this time, so work on your German. It does have good insight into Kinski's person, so it earns points for that.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 05 Apr 2007
80
60th
Though there's really nothing special about this documentary on a whole you can't help but find yourself engrossed by this odd couple's relationship. If you're a fan of Herzog's work with Kinski you'd be a fool not to check this out, if only for nostalgia.
Rated 05 Apr 2007
redactedredacted
Rated 07 Aug 2012
79
67th
Firebomb threats, death via natives, implications of gun murder. Klaus is a rabid creature. Werner saves face a little, there's a modesty in recounting rather then displaying their collisions.
Rated 07 Aug 2012
eldred08Eldred08
Rated 01 Sep 2008
90
81st
What a mad man! Jesus Christ (Superstar)!
Rated 01 Sep 2008
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 02 Dec 2009
8
80th
Two great members of their respective fields who truly understood each other.
Rated 02 Dec 2009
stainStain
Rated 03 Feb 2008
100
95th
Insightful, compelling, and very funny portrait of an internationally famous and acclaimed complete nutcase
Rated 03 Feb 2008
enthusiastEnthusiast
Rated 24 Nov 2009
70
50th
Pretty much anything involving Klaus Kinski is guaranteed fascinating viewing, but that premise is pretty much what drives the entire documentary. Which is better than the usual hand-wringing and eulogizing, I guess, but still. It's more about Herzog's benevolent (yet thankfully detached) recollections of Kinski than about Kinski.
Rated 24 Nov 2009
wulfstanleeWulfstanLee
Rated 14 Jul 2016
80
73rd
A portrait of Kinski as an artist and little else, but that seems how Herzog knew him (or perhaps Herzog cares little to get into Kinski's equally controversial personal life, glimpses of which we had in the late 90s). A fine film but a subject that Herzog was perhaps too close to.
Rated 14 Jul 2016
nathandarkoNathanDarko
Rated 16 Dec 2008
80
52nd
Great Doku about German's greatest actor of all time and my personal fave ! Herzog did quiet a well job, interesting with footage never seen before.
Rated 16 Dec 2008
caimancaiman
Rated 26 Apr 2011
84
75th
This is an insightful and entertaining documentary about a truly unique actor. Or more accurately, a unique actor/director duo. Herzog's continual and voluntary pairings with this crazed man speak hugely for Herzog's unmatched commitment to his films; he knew Kinski was the man his films needed; he just had to learn how to deal with- and often times take advantage of- his maniacal temper tantrums. It's quite entertaining seeing the behind the scenes footage of Kinski's intriguing dual nature.
Rated 26 Apr 2011
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 16 Apr 2022
68
70th
Kinski in a more flamboyant and frightening way, but Herzog too, are the "madmen" of legend. I don't mean in the clinical mental disorder sense; they embody the classical and the romantic sense of insanity. Herzog is a proverbial Aguirre in his artistic journey. Danger follows him everywhere, serious injuries a mainstay behind the scenes of his adventurous productions. Kinski's megalomaniacal violence is part and parcel with Herzog's epic, eccentric real-life persona.
Rated 16 Apr 2022
hehejajahehejaja
Rated 14 May 2008
80
76th
Engrossing.
Rated 14 May 2008
keanseenankeanseenan
Rated 28 Sep 2014
80
67th
I'm a novice with Herzog, but like most of his docs he is more often than not within the frame of this. There is a lot of telling rather than showing, as is to be expected consider Kinski's death. The opening scene in the house was at times so awkward. But otherwise, I enjoyed it as I do most 'behind the scenes' type things. It seemed to obscure Herzog more and more as we saw more shades of Kinski. Definitely made me wanna watch all his films immediately though.
Rated 28 Sep 2014

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