Watch My Best Fiend

My Best Fiend is a documentary film directed by Werner Herzog, which chronicles the tumultuous and complicated relationship between the filmmaker and his frequent collaborator, the actor Klaus Kinski. The film features interviews with Herzog, as well as archival footage of Kinski and behind-the-scenes clips from some of the pair's most notable films.

The movie explores the difficult and often volatile nature of the relationship between Herzog and Kinski, which spanned over five different films and two decades. From their first meeting on the set of Aguirre, the Wrath of God in 1972, to the making of their final film together, Cobra Verde, in 1987, Herzog and Kinski's collaboration was marked by intense creative passion, but also incredible tension and conflict.

The film delves into the many arguments, outbursts, and struggles that Herzog and Kinski experienced on set, as well as the moments of camaraderie and mutual respect that kept them working together for so many years. Through interviews with Herzog and others who worked with the two, as well as footage of Kinski's explosive temperament and erratic behavior, the film gives viewers a deep and sometimes uncomfortable look at the relationship that formed between these two artists.

One of the most fascinating aspects of My Best Fiend is the way that Herzog presents his own perspective on the relationship. Though the filmmaker often speaks about his admiration for Kinski's talent and the incredible performances he gave in their films, he also doesn't shy away from discussing the actor's intense personality and the many difficulties he caused on set. Herzog repeatedly emphasizes the fact that he and Kinski had a love-hate relationship, one characterized by moments of intense conflict and explosive emotion, but also mutual respect and admiration.

The film also features interviews with Claudia Cardinale, who starred opposite Kinski in Fitzcarraldo, and who sheds light on the actor's approach to his craft and his deep passion for acting. Herzog also includes clips from some of his most famous films with Kinski, including Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Fitzcarraldo, and Cobra Verde, which allow viewers to see how the two artists collaborated to create some of the most provocative and powerful films of the 1970s and 1980s.

Overall, My Best Fiend is a fascinating and often harrowing look at one of the most volatile and creative relationships in film history. It offers viewers an unparalleled glimpse into the artistic process and the unique bond that can form between two passionate artists, as well as the challenges and difficulties that can arise when such an intense relationship turns sour. Through Herzog's commentary and the footage of Kinski's wild temper, the film creates a deeply compelling portrait of two of cinema's most celebrated and enigmatic figures.

My Best Fiend is a 1999 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 70.