Werner Herzog

Filmmaker

Name at birth: Werner Stipetic

Film critics can't seem to decide whether Werner Herzog is a genius or charlatan, but his position as one of the most well-known German "new wave" filmmakers of the late 20th century is assured. Known for making allegorical films in exotic locations, Werner Herzog worked briefly in American television before making documentaries and short subjects. He has a reputation for an intense -- some would say obsessive -- vision and commitment, but naysayers question his ability to tell a story that moviegoers can follow. His most famous features include Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1973), Fitzcarraldo (1982), Heart of Glass (1984) and Invincible (2001).

Extra credit: Herzog has frequently worked with actor Klaus Kinski... The 1982 documentary Burden of Dreams was a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Fitzcarraldo.