In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, the legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog joined the host to discuss his tumultuous relationship with actor Klaus Kinski. The conversation shed light on the intense working dynamics between the two and highlighted their shared experiences of pushing the boundaries during film productions.
Conan acknowledged the riveting nature of their collaboration, stating that he understood the chaos and intensity Herzog described. Drawing from his own experiences in the comedy field, Conan admitted to reaching an altered state during some episodes of his show. He recounted a particular instance during a truffle hunt in Italy where exhaustion and the pressure to deliver led to him hopping around like a rabbit, losing control.
The talk show host found a certain allure in these out-of-control moments and understood the bond that can form amidst the chaos. This resonated deeply with Herzog, who revealed that his collaboration with Kinski involved constant screaming, abuse, and confrontation. To most people, it would seem impossible to endure such a relationship, but Herzog explained that there was a hilarious side to it and that he had never lost composure during those times.
Herzog went on to recount an incident during their filmmaking expedition in the rainforest, where tensions escalated with the native people working on the production. While Kinski resorted to screaming at them, Herzog remained calm and handled the situation in a more reserved manner. He shared that the natives were actually afraid of him due to his quiet and focused demeanor, while they considered Kinski the true screaming madman.
The filmmaker emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and sticking to the script, explaining that he made it clear to Kinski when his behavior crossed the line. Herzog demonstrated that he had the capacity to maintain control and diffuse intense situations, even suggesting that the consequence for such behavior could have dire implications for Kinski.
Conan and Herzog mused over the human condition and the thin line between sanity and madness. Herzog pointed out that the individuals he encountered on death row during his filmmaking experiences were not so different from himself or anyone else. They were just one step away from crossing that line. This realization further added to the complexity of his relationship with Kinski and the understanding they shared.
Through their conversation, it became evident that Herzog’s ability to remain calm and composed in the face of chaos allowed him to navigate the challenging dynamics of his collaboration with Kinski. Conan was intrigued by how Herzog’s stoic approach contrasted with the recent concept of becoming a ‘gray rock’ when dealing with individuals who are out of control or psychotic. Rather than engaging in a screaming match, Herzog’s inert response had a surprisingly calming effect on Kinski.
The episode ended with a fascinating anecdote about a plane crash during one of their film shoots. While trying to make sense of the situation, Herzog found himself being berated by Kinski for serving him lukewarm coffee. In a decisive move to diffuse the situation, Herzog ate his last piece of valuable chocolate right in front of Kinski, which silenced him immediately.
The conversation between Conan O’Brien and Werner Herzog provided viewers with a glimpse into the tumultuous but captivating relationship between the director and actor. It served as a reminder that amidst the chaos and tension, there can be a bond formed that transcends the normal boundaries of collaboration. Conan and his audience were left with a greater appreciation for the complexities of creative relationships as they marveled at Herzog’s ability to navigate the madness.
