Klaus Kinski’s final masterpiece coming to DVD
The late genre film legend and Werner Herzog favorite Nikolaus Günther Nakszynski better known as Klaus Kinski (Jess Franco’s Jack the Ripper) had starred in more than 130 films before his death in 1991. His last film Paganini, which he wrote, is based on the life of “Demon Violinist” Niccolò Paganini. Kinski originally wanted his buddy Herzog to direct the film but Werner thought the script was unfilmable. That should give you some idea how extreme the content is. MYA Communications has put together a two disk Special Edition DVD set of the theatrical version as well as the director’s cut which is almost 15 minutes longer! Look for it November 8, 2011.
SUMMARY FROM PRESS RELEASE:
Witness the life and times of madman and genius violinist Niccolò Paganini. Haunted by the demons of lust and beauty, Paganini pursues his ideal of artistic creation while challenging the moral boundaries of his era. Ridiculed and feared, suspected to be a devil worshipper and still envied for his miraculous musical skills, Paganini created some of the most complex and astonishing music ever. And yet, for all his visionary art, the master of demonic violin playing was considered no more than a freak to be pitied. But his genius still lives today. Just as strong as Klaus Kinski’s final masterpiece.
Directed by Klaus Kinski at the most rabid heights of his feverish hallucinatory creative power, Paganini is one of the most extreme biopic ever committed to the screen. Mixing together Werner Herzog, Ken Russell and Federico Fellini, Kinski pulls off his artistic testament in a way no director has dared before. Sex, violence, incredible complex shots and gorgeous women make Paganini a one of a kind film. Culled together from only the best preserved original materials, this special edition features both the theatrical cut and the director’s cut that Klaus Kinski so desperately tried to preserve until his very last days.
Werner was right. The script WAS unfilmable. Too bad Kinski shot it anyway, because as a film it’s unwatchable. And I really tried, but just couldn’t even force myself to get through it. Imagine, Kinski playing Paganini left-handed, like Charlie Chaplin, the difference being that Chaplin actually knew how to play the violin. The film also outrageously distorts the character and history of Paganini, who was indeed a genius, but certainly not a madman. The madness is all Kinski’s.