The Films of Wim Wenders
Cinema as Vision and Desire

An examination of the work of one of the most well-known directors of the New German Cinema.

Robert Phillip Kolker (Author), Peter Beicken (Author)

9780521389761, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 January 1993

212 pages, 60 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.32 kg

The authors trace the development of one of the most well-known directors of the New German Cinema that flourished in the 1970s and early 1980s. Examining Wim Wenders' career from his early film school productions through his mature works of the 1970s, this book also analyses the most recent works, as well as the themes and preoccupations that unite his oeuvre. As the authors note, Wenders' works have been profoundly influenced by American films, especially the 'road movie' genre. His own work often features characters who are always on the move, in an attempt to capture a glimpse of their identity and place in the world. They also represent a generation of postwar Germans seeking to redeem themselves and the history of their country by turning to American popular culture, particularly its music and movies.

Preface
Part I. The Boy with the Movie Camera: Biography
Historical background
Student films
Part II. On the Road: Exile and Innocence: Major themes and images in Wenders' films
Part III. Close analysis of Selected Films: Kings of the Road
The State of Things
Paris, Texas: between the winds
Wings of Desire: between heaven and earth
Part IV. Conclusion: A stranger in Heimat
Footnotes to I–IV
Filmography
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Films, cinema [APF]