My Best Fiend

Famed German helmer Werner Herzog (Aguirre: The Wrath of God, Nosferatu, Fitzcarraldo) offers up a fascinating and frequently hilarious look at the love-hate relationship he shared with long-time collaborator Klaus Kinski. At first one bristles at Herzog's merciless attacks on the late actor's reputation (or, I should say, whatever reputation the notoriously difficult Kinski had left), but the film does a complete turnaround by the end to become a surprisingly poignant look at the passing of a great, if forever inexplicable, friendship. A real film and documentary lover's treat, filled with insights into Herzog and Kinski's work. Recommended. (S. C. Sickles)