Anselm main backdrop
Anselm main poster

6.9/10 • 41

2023-10-121h 33m

Documentary

The sound of time.

This unique cinematic experience dives deep into an artist’s work and reveals his life path, inspiration, and creative process. It explores his fascination with myth and history. Past and present are interwoven to diffuse the line between film and painting, allowing the audience to be completely immersed in the remarkable world of one of the greatest contemporary artists, Anselm Kiefer. Wim Wenders shot this unique portrait over the course of two years in stunning 3D.

Directors
Wim Wenders
Writters
Wim Wenders
Editors
Wim Wenders, Maxine Goedicke

Top Billed Cast

View Credits
  1. Anselm Kiefer

    Anselm Kiefer

    Anselm

  2. Anton Wenders

    Anton Wenders

    Anselm (Boy)

  3. Daniel Kiefer

    Daniel Kiefer

    Anselm (Young)

Reviews1

View Reviews
Brent Marchant Avatar

Brent Marchant

Feb 4, 2024

7/10

Imagine having the vision – and the means – to build your own little world, one that reflects your philosophical, artistic and personal sensibilities. If you’re German multi-media artist Anselm Kiefer, it’s not only entirely possible, but also an undertaking that feels as though it’s been compelled into existence, as seen in this poetic new documentary from filmmaker Wim Wenders. This inventive, intimate look into the life, work and beliefs of this artistic icon examines how his upbringing and major influences shaped the person Kiefer ultimately became, one of the most prolific, diverse and challenging creatives of the 20th Century. Through interviews with the artist, archive and contemporary footage of his work, and interpretive reenactments of Kiefer as an eminently curious youth and as a bold innovator as a young adult, viewers witness how he emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the art world in the nature, content and messages of his creations. The film explores his mythological, metaphysical and philosophical insights, along with his relentless passion for artistically depicting Germany’s role in World War II, an effort that many of his fellow countrymen found off-putting but that he insisted must not be forgotten or ignored, despite widespread public opinion to the contrary. Then there’s the establishment of his Gesamtkunstwerk – or “universal artwork” – at his 35-hectare compound community in Barjac, France, an attempt at manifesting a work of art incorporating as many different types of creations as possible, truly a world unto itself. All of this is accomplished through a narrative that’s more thematically driven than one providing a rote laundry list of accomplishments. Because of this, viewers unfamiliar with Kiefer’s work, history and influences may find the film somewhat difficult to follow at times, but that’s more than compensated for by Wenders’ stunning cinematography, especially its brilliant employment of 3-D technology, a practice virtually unheard of in documentary work. Given the unconventional nature of “Anselm,” the picture clearly won’t appeal to everyone, including those enamored with documentaries. However, for those seeking something different, inspiring and beautiful to look at, this one is made for you.

Media

  • Anselm poster
  • Anselm poster
  • Anselm poster
  • Anselm poster
  • Anselm poster
  • Anselm poster
  • Anselm poster

Recommendations

  • Everybody Loves Jeanne main backdrop

    Everybody Loves Jeanne

    6.2

  • Santa Maradona main backdrop

    Santa Maradona

    7.0

  • Explanation for Everything main backdrop

    Explanation for Everything

    6.7

  • Come far litigare mamma e papà main backdrop

    Come far litigare mamma e papà

    5.9

  • Essential Truths of the Lake main backdrop

    Essential Truths of the Lake

    6.5

  • The Rebellious Olivia de Havilland main backdrop

    The Rebellious Olivia de Havilland

    7.3

  • Velázquez – Wild Realism main backdrop

    Velázquez – Wild Realism

    5.3

  • The Taste of Things main backdrop

    The Taste of Things

    7.1

  • Amarcord main backdrop

    Amarcord

    7.9

  • The Old Oak main backdrop

    The Old Oak

    7.2

  • The Fall main backdrop

    The Fall

    7.6

  • Manhattan main backdrop

    Manhattan

    7.7

  • The Equalizer 3 main backdrop

    The Equalizer 3

    7.3

  • The Prestige main backdrop

    The Prestige

    8.2

  • Thor: Love and Thunder main backdrop

    Thor: Love and Thunder

    6.4

  • Monsters, Inc. main backdrop

    Monsters, Inc.

    7.8

  • Top Gun: Maverick main backdrop

    Top Gun: Maverick

    8.2

  • Parasite main backdrop

    Parasite

    8.5

  • Soul main backdrop

    Soul

    8.1

  • Joker main backdrop

    Joker

    8.1

Status
Released
Original Language
German
Budget
--
Revenue
$1,100,000.00
Keywords
No keywords have been added.