Anselm Reviews (original) (raw)

Documentary on the portrait of the German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and relevant contemporary artists. The film illuminates his life, creative inspiration, vision, style, pleasure for the Myth and the work of exploring human existence and the cyclical nature of History. An elegant and technically accurate film, it can boast beautiful shots choreographed among the artist's most fascinating works, the refined moments of re-enactment - with Kiefer's son playing Anselm as a young man and Wenders' nephew embodying his childhood -, and the stages of a journey behind the scenes of his art (for over two years Wenders retraced the footsteps of his contemporary Kiefer starting from his native Germany to his current home in France). The work on sound and archive materials is also very effective, often inserted through elaborate overlays. It is a heartfelt homage by Wim Wenders to Kiefer's artistic language (strongly influenced by poetry, literature, philosophy, science, mythology and religion), but above all to the desire to preserve the memory (starting from the tragedy of the Shoah and the history of the people German, on which Kiefer worked all his life) from the oblivion of Time (and changes in the surrounding space) through the most experimental, independent, arduous and exciting methods. Wenders drags the viewer into a stimulating and pleasant cinematographic experience that is able to bring back the aesthetic bulk of the creations and recall the painful and moral sphere of Kiefer's work: an artistic work of modern archeology and historicity in front of which one remains amazed and above all (s)overwhelmed by the sensitivity of its author and his interest in remaining in the traumatic dimension at all costs. Through the figure of the artist Kiefer, the German director involves us in a journey suspended between past and present, between natural environments and places of creation; in a concrete and abstract fluctuation, physical and metaphysical at the same time; full of suggestions, interior voices (like that of the poet Paul Celan), artistic reflections (Kiefer's universe and that of Wenders intersect, dialoguing with each other); an organic and cohesive fabric through which Art itself comes to life… One of Wenders' best films, which, like his other most famous documentaries ("Lighting over water", "Tokyo-Ga", but above all "Buena Vista Social Club", "Pina", and "The salt of the Earth”) manages to capture the viewer's gaze with sobriety and charm; once again showing not only his own respectful and intellectual touch, but also the functionality of the original stylistic approach; and finally the solidity in the contents covered, as well as in the ways in which it manages to give voice to Kiefer and his entire artistic work. Wenders shot the film in 3D (really useful, incisive and precious here) and 6K resolution. Not to be missed, and especially to be seen at the cinema. Rating (in tenths): 7.75 / 8

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.