One argument for Herzog -- he is (I think) unique in film history in that his filmography is basically equally split between fiction and documentary, and his success in both fields certainly makes him stand out. Think of how many celebrated cinematic auteurs never attempted the artistic challenge of the documentary.
One interesting aspect of that legacy (certainly present in Grizzly Man) are the themes shared by both Herzog's documentaries and fiction films. In both cases, he's drawn to people like Timothy Treadwell, like Brian "Fitzcarraldo" Fitzgerald -- people who embark on quests (that only really make sense to them) that physically and emotionally isolate them from the rest of the world.
One argument for Herzog -- he is (I think) unique in film history in that his filmography is basically equally split between fiction and documentary, and his success in both fields certainly makes him stand out. Think of how many celebrated cinematic auteurs never attempted the artistic challenge of the documentary.
Fantastic point: I would never argue that Herzog doesn't deserve respect or success. His legacy is and will continue to be worthy of study.
One interesting aspect of that legacy (certainly present in Grizzly Man) are the themes shared by both Herzog's documentaries and fiction films. In both cases, he's drawn to people like Timothy Treadwell, like Brian "Fitzcarraldo" Fitzgerald -- people who embark on quests (that only really make sense to them) that physically and emotionally isolate them from the rest of the world.