Showing posts with label Klaus Kinski. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Klaus Kinski. Show all posts

Monday, July 4, 2011

Nosferatu (1979) aka Nosferatu The Vampyre aka Nosferatu: Phantom Der Nacht

 4.5 / 5 Jul '11
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Werner Herzog
Written by: Werner Herzog
Actors include: Klaus Kinski, Isabelle Adjani, Bruno Ganz
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Length: 107 minutes
Banned: Nope




Review:
Most certainly one of the best remakes I've ever encountered, every detail is meticulously attended to. This was actually my first Werner Herzog film (and definitely not my last) and what really struck me was that at any given moment I could hit "pause" and the screen would look like a painting. The mood created with the shadows and contrast is impressively eerie and the sets are brilliant. It even manages to create a wonderful tension and the feeling of doom haunts the film. Oddly two versions of this film were shot simultaniously, one in German and one in English and it's said that the two are a bit different. The version I saw was the English one, but I'm mighty curious what differences lie between the two. The acting is superb, particularly Klaus Kinski's fascinatingly creepy portrayal of Nosferatu. I was also amused at Roland Topor's take on the Renfield character, he sure played it like a gigglier Peter Lorre. The story is one you will definitely know, it's the story of Dracula and actually it's one of the most complete and well defined versions available. It is a bit slower in pacing but only so the viewer can take the time to ingest the beauty of the film or nature or what have you. It's all very lovingly intentional and I thought it added that extra depth to make this as brilliant as it was. All I can say is that this is a must see on many levels, and that Herzog is brilliant so yes absolutely recommended.

Availability:  On DVD

Monday, August 9, 2010

Android (1982)

3.5 / 5 Aug '10
Tagline: On a remote space laboratory, Android Model MAX 404 has learnt how to live...and learnt how to kill!
Directed by: Aaron Lipstadt
Written by: James Reigle, Don Keith Opper
Actors include: Klaus Kinski, Brie Howard, Norbert Weisser
Genre: Sci-Fi
Length: 80 minutes
Banned: Nope




Review:
This is a rather unusual and cheap sci-fi film, but on the other hand it's rather effective and well acted, plus the plot is an intriguing one. Klaus Kinski plays Dr. Daniel a Scientist on a research station who is completely alone...except for Max. Together they carry out research about Androids (who were banned several years ago for rape and various other problems that existed). Max is clumsy and awkward, weird, horny and lonely too. He watches sexual training videos for fun! When three space refugees land on their ship Max is eager to make nice with the girl. He's not the only one who has the hots for her though, Dr. Daniel has an eye for her too. It's a very strange film that leaves you kind of guessing where it's going but in a way I liked that about it. It's not going to be for everyone but I think it was a memorable little oddball sci-fi flick that should appeal to some.

Availability:  On DVD