Real Depravities: The Films of Klaus Kinski

Genius? Madman? Both? Klaus Kinski, enfant terrible, is as renowned for his extraordinary performances as he is reviled for his off-screen antics. From his early days as a proverbial “starving artist” to his peak period as a star attraction who commanded top dollar from producers around the globe, Kinski attracted a great deal of press—much of it negative. In the 25 years since his death, a lot has been written about him, pro and con, but in the process a lot of his work as an artist has been overlooked. Troy Howarth, the author of such acclaimed books as Splntered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films and the Rondo Award-nominated So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films, seeks to rectify that injustice by examining Kinski’s massive filmography in detail. Everything from his early German “krimi” thrillers and international breakthroughs like Doctor Zhivago to grade-Z horror films like Schizoid and artistic triumphs like Agguire, the Wrath of God are catalogued and assessed. Along the way, some myths are debunked and plenty of color is provided by way of testimony from those who worked with Kinski. And for the more visually-oriented, never fear: there are a ton of stills, posters, behind-the-scenes and candid shots to drink in, as well.