Joey Magidson
I’m not sure people realize that Wim Wenders is a three-time Oscar nominee. Nominated in previous years for Best Documentary Feature (for Buena Vista Social Club, Pina, and The Salt of the Earth), he’s seen his latest film, Perfect Days, cited by the Academy in Best International Feature. Now, he’s not technically nominated due to Academy Award rules, but it does allow us to take a step back and appreciated Wenders. Beyond Perfect Days just being a beautiful movie, it’s interesting to note that he’s now seen his fiction honored, in addition to his non-fiction. It all was a great backdrop to speak with the filmmaker last week. We had a very nice time, which you’re about to see today…
Last week, I posted my review of Perfect Days here. This is some of what I said about Wenders’ filmmaking:
Wim Wenders has made one of his gentlest works here, as well as one of his best. Co-writing with Takuma Takasaki, this is almost Wenders’ version of a Bruce Springsteen ballad. Takasaki and Wenders resist the urge to ever ramp things up, letting the story unfold on its own time. Plus, Wenders has some excellent song selections here, letting the character’s taste in rock music be its own character in a way. For some, this might be too slow and too simple, but as long as you get on its wavelength, it’s lovely to bear witness to.
Below, you can see my discussion with Wenders. We talk a lot about the music in the film, though we go to some very interesting places. I for one was not expecting him to be fond of City of Angels like I am (since it’s a remake of his film, Wings of Desire), but Wenders is full of interesting takes. He’s very easygoing and happy to discuss his movie in a number of ways, which made the conversation a blast for me. If you’ve yet to see Perfect Days, go see it now. Then, double back and check out his other works. The man is a singular talent, that’s for sure.
Here now is my interview with Perfect Days filmmaker Wim Wenders. Enjoy:
Perfect Days is in theaters now!
Comments
Loading…