Reel to Real. The Anti-PBS.

TIFF [1999]

My Best Fiend

There were certainly more accomplished and ambitious documentaries to be found in the far-from-stodgy Real To Reel programme.

Typically original works from Errol (The Thin Blue Line) Morris, Ron (Comic Book Confidential) Mann, and Canadian up and comer Cristine (In The Gutter And Other Nice Places) Richey. Morris' "Mr. Death: The Rise And Fall Of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.", explored the skewed mindset of a pathetic inventor of state prison execution equipment who finds himself discredited (logically) after discovering and embracing the world of Holocaust denial. Mann's "Grass" was a dizzying multimedia assault chronicling the U.S. government's hoary and futile attempts to demonize marijuana (documenting nearly an entire century of propaganda in under 90 minutes, whereas "Wadd" dragged for more than two hours to tell the latter-day life story of ONE man). And Richey's "Tops And Bottoms" (Robert checks out another "wholesome" subject, LOL) explored the urban S & M subculture not for easy titillation, but as an anathema for some people's perceived lack of power in an increasingly impersonal world (yes, really).

My Pick:

Werner Herzog's "My Best Fiend", an affectionate but far-from-whitewashed ode to his frequent collaborator (the late) Klaus Kinski. A reflective Herzog takes us through vintage footage of Kinski's blaphemous "Jesus" tours, candid behind-the-scenes footage, reminiscences from costars and lovers, and visits to past locations to paint an engrossing picture of a true showman and borderline madman who remains as fascinating as any special effect. But, you'll understand why South American natives offered to kill Kinski for free (as a favour to flustered Herzog) when you see him tear into an on-set caterer during one of his patented "raving fits".

Special Presentations: Galas You Can Actually Get In To

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Features:Intro Toronto Midnight MadnessReal to ReelSpecial Presentations World Cinema Galas DialoguesTIFF 2K