I love the 1979 Werner Herzog version of "Nosferatu The Vampyre" for so many reasons. The cinematography, the authentic creepiness, Klaus Kinski perfectly embodying the character of Nosferatu and the beauty of Isabelle Adjani - whom I love watching in just about anything 

Klaus Kinski was the embodiment of crazy town. You'll see that I have a super rare copy of his ORIGINAL autobiography; the first edition translated in English and published in 1988. This book was utterly scandalous and plagued with outrageous claims of incest, litigious statements and untruths, and had a copyright infringement issue. It was quickly withdrawn. It also brought out the threat of a lawsuit from Marlene Dietrich and his daughter, Nastassja, actually DID sue him for libel. After the original English version was pulled, there have been subsequent versions published, all of them edited in different ways.  This particular edition is really hard to find, especially in this condition, for less than $300 or so (as of November 2024).

When you watch him in "Nosferatu" and see his total immersion into the character, it does NOT seem like acting. His portrayal is so real and unsettling that it seems the man onscreen really is a monster.

I met his daughter, Nastassja in 2012 and when I asked about her father, her nonplussed answer was something along the lines of "He was a very complex man". Considering that he talked about having an incestuous relationship with her, I would say that complex would be a generous statement. But according to Klaus's friend and director Werner Herzog, much of his biography was lies. Maybe there was something mental going on with Klaus. I don't know. But his acting and characterization of Nosferatu are unforgettable.

Regarding his autograph, I'm highly doubtful of his signature's authenticity (but not Isabelle's) on the "Nosferatu" photo. However, you can see a guaranteed authentic signature on his endorsement of a check that I have in my collection. (Note: The check is from agent Paul Kohner whose wife was Lupita Tovar. Lupita played the female lead in the Spanish version of "Dracula" in 1931. Think about that: the husband of the female star of "Dracula" is the agent FIFTY TWO years later for the male star of "Nosferatu". Oh, and Paul Kohner's daughter is Susan Kohner, who played the bi-racial daughter in Lana Turner's "Imitation of Life". Me? Digress? Never.)

Onto Isabelle Adjani who is such a wonderful actress, but unfortunately not highly recognized in America. She holds the record for most Best Actress wins (5) of the Cesar, the French version of the Academy Awards. And she deserves them! She is spellbinding in "Queen Margot", compelling and disturbing with Sam Neill in "Possession", heartbreaking in "Camille Claudel". She is just always so good. Her first foray into big budget American films was "The Driver" with Ryan O'Neal. Personally, I thought she was sexy and fun, and it was called "The Driver" for a reason, because the driving stunts and scenes were ridiculously, crazy good! But Isabelle, and others thought that making "the American film" (as 2nd billed "eye candy") was not the best career move for entree to the American audience. But I loved it. And I also loved her in the remake of "Diabolique" with Sharon Stone. (P.S. I do have an have an autograph of the actress who originally played Isabelle's part in the original. I'll write about Vera Clouzet separately).

In summary, Isabelle Adjani is one of my favorite foreign actresses. Bonus that she has a pretty autograph. Oh, and I have an LP of hers, which I was startled to come across in a Thrift Store. Her acting? 100% Her singing? I'll let you judge for yourself. Here is an audio clip of this beautiful French woman singing about … um ... Ohio.

As for Werner Herzog, I had a ticket to see him on October 21, 2023, at City Arts & Lectures. I bought it based solely on my love for "Nosferatu". For some reason, which I now forget, I decided not to go, and I sold or donated my ticket. This was before I had more appreciation for him as a filmmaker. Having just recently watched his first film, "Signs of Life", which sparked more interest in Herzog, I kicked myself for not going to his lecture and book signing. Damn! I should have gone - but at least I do have this really nice, autographed photo of Werner.

I recently watched Herzog’s first full-length film “Signs of Life” and it was a very different movie watching experience.  Very bleak, stark, and slow – yet commanding my attention.  An excellent showcase on a slow descent into madness.  The star of the movie, Peter Brogle, made less than 20 films but he was a stage actor as well.  I was amazed to come across his autograph; a young photo within a playbill signed by him and two other Austrian actors and German conductor.  Try finding a Peter Brogle autograph.  They rarely pop up.  But I guess the question is who’s looking?  (Me)