The Films of Wim Wenders: Cinema as Vision and Desire

by Robert P. Kolker

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.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 1993

About the author

Robert Phillip Kolker, Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland, taught cinema studies for almost 50 years. He is author of A Cinema of Loneliness, The Extraordinary Image: Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick and the Reimagining of Cinema, and editor of 2001: A Space Odyssey: New Essays and The Oxford Handbook of Film and Media Studies.

Reviews

[Jeff Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and thought provoking analysis and reflection on the films up to 1991. At times it skirts pretentiousness, but there are so many insights and references that it's a worthy read for anyone interested in Wenders' work. It could be read as a whole or dipped into when one is watching, or has recently watched, a particular film. I wish there were more books in this series.

[Dom Traynor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read alongside Paris, Texas & Perfect Days