Werner Herzog's My Best Fiend

Film within film:

During the month of November we will be celebrating the six month anniversary of The Cinema Paradiso: Portland Discussion Group. To mark the occasion this month’s theme will pull the curtain back a little on what goes on behind the camera. You could be a true independent like John Sayles or battling studio executives like Terry Gilliam; either way a lot of time and effort goes into making a film.

It’s strange to think that some of us might not have met if it wasn’t for men such as Louis Lumiere and Thomas Edison (who also invented the eclectic chair out of spite to discredit Nikola Tesla) While we won’t be exploring the history of the art form this month (I will save that for later). I think it is important to remember how it all started.

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Release Date: October 7th, 1999

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Running Time: 95 Minutes

Country: Germany

I can think of quite a few actors who can deliver an intense performance off the top of my head, Toshiro Mifune, Garry Oldman, Max von Sydow, Daniel Day Lewis, George C. Scott, Sam Jackson, Jack Nicholson, Robert Mitchum, Javier Bardem, Ian McShane, and John Hawkes. Sorry, I got carried away there for a minute. My point is that the list is endless but I can not think of many actors who could express the level of intensity in a way similar to Klaus Kinski. A man who could win a staring contest with anyone hands down.

What was Kinski acting secret? Simply that he wasn’t acting. Kinski who was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1950, was the living embodiment of intensity. Formerly part of the German army, Kinski got into acting because he felt it was better than cleaning toilets. He started out touring with a small theatrical company but was fired after a year for unpredictable behavior. Kinski would work on quite a few big name films (For a Few Dollars More, Doctor Zhivago, and The Great Silence) before working with Herzog in the breathtaking film Aguirre: The Wrath of God. The par would collaborate on four additional films before parting ways. My Best Fiend is a film that explores the complex and often violent relationship between Herzog and Kinski.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hG8dd5Vsnc

This Showing will be a shown at the Headquarters which is smoke free, intimate environment with limited space.

Since space is limited I would appreciate some notice (when possible) if you have rsvp'd but are not able to attend the showing. It would allow others to rsvp who might be able to attend.

The Headquarters is in a decent area in the NE so there are many food options. I will be taking orders if any one would like any thing delivered. (Let me know in advance if you are thinking of ordering food.)

A warning for anyone with bad allergies, we do have a cat and dog residing here but the cat spends most of his time outdoors so hopefully his presence won’t be too much of a deterrent.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Organizer,
Damon

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