Reviews

Brent Marchant

February 4, 2024
7.0
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.

Recommendation Movies

7
Comedy
View
7
Zamora
Zamora2024
6.2
Drama
View
6.2
Misunderstood
Misunderstood2014
7.3
Drama
View
7.3
Explanation for Everything
Explanation for Everything2023
6.8
History
View
6.8
Burn!
Burn!1969
6
Comedy
View
6
Come far litigare mamma e papà
Come far litigare mamma e papà2024
6.5
Drama
View
6.5
Essential Truths of the Lake
Essential Truths of the Lake2023
7.6
Documentary
View
7.6
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project2023
7.5
Drama
View
7.5
Funeral Parade of Roses
Funeral Parade of Roses1969
6.9
Drama
View
6.9
The Woodsman
The Woodsman2004
6.2
Drama
View
6.2
Everybody Loves Jeanne
Everybody Loves Jeanne2022
7
Comedy
View
7
Santa Maradona
Santa Maradona2001
6.9
Drama
View
6.9
Marguerite's Theorem
Marguerite's Theorem2023
7.2
Horror
View
7.2
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage1970
6.4
Comedy
View
6.4
Second Tour
Second Tour2023
7.1
Drama
View
7.1
Matthias & Maxime
Matthias & Maxime2019
5.6
Drama
View
5.6
Showgirls
Showgirls1995
7.2
Drama
View
7.2
The Old Oak
The Old Oak2023
7.9
Comedy
View
7.9
Amarcord
Amarcord1973
7.5
Adventure
View
7.5
The Fall
The Fall2006
7.4
Comedy
View
7.4
La Chimera
La Chimera2023
© 2024 MoovieTime. All rights reserved.Made with Nuxt