Wim Wenders: Five Films for Newcomers
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Today is German filmmaker Ernst Wilhelm Wenders’ birthday, but the world of cinema obviously knows him by the name “Wim”. No matter what kind of motion pictures you are into, chances are you have run into at least one or two of Wim Wenders’ works because of how versatile he is. From road films and arthouse staples to documentaries across the board, Wenders has done it all. The unifying theme in his catalogue is an exploration of the intrinsic ways of the cultures of the world; what makes society tick or defines its people? Wenders examines how unique civilizations are via a myriad of practices, from poetic realism and spiritual awakening to science fiction prophecies and technological achievements. While I won’t pretend that I have loved every film of his that I have seen, it is still difficult to narrow down this extensive filmography to just five films. Nonetheless, I believe the selections below will speak for themselves and act as the appropriate starting points for those of you that wish to learn more about this acclaimed auteur. Here are five films for newcomers to the works of Wim Wenders.
5. Buena Vista Social Club
We start with a celebration of Cuban music via multiple sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and in Amsterdam. A documentary about multi-instrumentalist Ry Cooder and his project, Buena Vista Social Club (a collection of ensemble musicians), this spectacle provides insights into the political turmoil between the United States and Cuba whilst proving the healing powers of music as that pain is dispelled with each concert sequence. An important look at disparity and some of the richest concert footage put to film, Buena Vista Social Club is a mesmerizing journey into the power of unity through music.
4. Kings of the Road
Wenders is considered a master of the road film genre: motion pictures that place protagonists on a journey between point A and point B (or sometimes all the way to Z with the number of stops made) as we do some sightseeing whilst learning about our character(s) on a more personal level. Of the more literal road films Wenders has made, one strong, archetypical example is Kings of the Road, the third and strongest entry in his “Road Movie” trilogy (I apologize for the number of times “road” has been stated thus far). Whimsical, bright, ambitious, and spellbinding, Kings of the Road is an adventure for those that seek a cinematic pilgrimage.
3. Pina
What was once meant to be a study on choreographer extraordinaire Pina Bausch before her sudden passing became a celebratory eulogy that invoked footage of her while she was still with us, and recreations of her most beloved routines. As a result, Pina is one of the strongest films about dance you may ever find. The tremendous use of 3D also helps this documentary soar to new heights as you are swept away by mind-blowing dance numbers that can only be called “noble”. Wenders’ love letter to a late friend is majestic and beautiful. Even if you aren’t that invested in a documentary about dancing, Pina is exquisitely made and must be seen just for its technical prowess.
2. Paris, Texas
Easily Wenders’ most widely beloved film, Paris, Texas holds a place in the hearts of all that have watched it. As we navigate the state of Texas through an existentially broken protagonist that needs nurturing, we kick off this classic as minimally as possible. By the end of this Palme d’Or winning opus, gears shift and we’re now being told every last little detail from a broken soul on the path to healing properly. Poetically sound and organically powerful, Paris, Texas is a bittersweet character study caught in the voids found within the experience of existence. It will surely move you to tears.
1. Wings of Desire
It may be unorthodox to not have Paris, Texas first on this list, and I do think it is a flawless film. However, Wings of Desire will forever be my favourite Wenders film. I know the question is what film should newcomers start with (and not what I personally think is Wenders’ best film), and I still think Wings of Desire is the right answer. A masterpiece of spiritual filmmaking and the greatest film about angels not named It’s a Wonderful Life (and, even then, I’d still call this better), Wings of Desire courses through multiple countries via ghostly camera angles and pans as we feel like we ourselves are flying amongst the mortals. With a jaw-dropping change two-thirds in that I dare not spoil, Wings of Desire is as magical as filmmaking gets. It doesn’t settle for being optimistic either as it vows to tell the full story of the guardian angel experience: the hopeful and the damned. You don’t have to be religious to feel floored by the brilliant storytelling and artistry of Wings of Desire: the place you must start with in Wim Wenders’ filmography.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.