The Films of Wim Wenders: Cinema as Vision and Desire

By Peter Beicken, Robert Phillip Kolker, Robert P. Kolker

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521389763
• ISBN13: 9780521389761
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

a treasure on Wenders

This is the only resource I've found that goes into great in-depth detail of the ideas and inspirations of Wenders. This includes films by other directors (John Ford for example,) their stories, their characters and how they inspired Wenders' stories.

Clarity and Insight

I am thoroughly enjoying this book for it's insightful look at a fascinating filmmaker. It not only gives a history of the artist, it goes through his major works to date giving clear-thinking and well-researched ideas for the reader to consider. I am particularly interested in the sections on Wings of Desire because it provides a viewpoint I haven't found in any other sources on this subject -- referring to the many Biblical and Biblical contrasts in the film. Overall, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who desires a more in depth analysis of his works and not simply a film review.