Thesis advisor: John Michalczyk / Werner Herzog is one of the most important directors of today. He is also, however, woefully misunderstood. These four essays attempt to refute some commonly held views about the director, but also to reinforce others. The first essay looks at his cultural heritage. The second essay places Herzog under the microscope of the Auteur Theory of cinema. The third examines his relationship with his volatile, long-time collaborator Klaus Kinski. The final essay turns to Herzog's documentary films and asks what role they play in his oeuvre. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2008. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Fine Arts. / Discipline: College Honors Program.