Writer and director Wim Wenders shares his journey from film student to creating iconic movies like PARIS, TEXAS. He discusses his early struggles, inspirations, and the making of his films, including insights into his creative process and future of filmmaking. Wim reveals personal anecdotes and reflections on his unique approach to storytelling.
Transition from painting to filmmaking after watching movies in Paris
Challenges and lessons from early film school experiences influenced director's style
Humorous anecdote about missing film screening at Cannes Film Festival
Deep dives
The Transition from Painter to Filmmaker
The director discussed his journey from aspiring painter to filmmaker in a podcast episode. He initially aspired to be a painter but shifted focus after a challenging experience in Paris art school. Failing a nude drawing test led him to explore engraving with a German-American teacher, where he found a passion for cinema after spending time watching films in a French cinematic. This experience transitioned him from painting to pursuing a career in filmmaking.
Film School and Early Projects
The podcast delved into the director's film school experience and the challenges he faced in the early stages of his career. Despite facing competition to get into film school, he successfully enrolled and created his first feature film. His early projects, influenced by renowned filmmakers like John Cassavetes and Alfred Hitchcock, laid the foundation for his future work. The discussion highlighted the director's journey from learning the craft to developing his unique storytelling style.
Cannes Film Festival Mishap
An anecdote about the Cannes Film Festival mishap was shared on the podcast. The director recounted a humorous yet unfortunate incident where he missed the screening of his film at the festival due to logistical challenges. His experience navigating the festival as a young filmmaker, facing unexpected obstacles like transportation issues and missed screenings, provided insights into the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the challenges faced by emerging talents.
Filmmaking in Berlin and Tokyo
The podcast explored the director's experiences filming in Berlin and Tokyo. He discussed the creative process behind capturing the essence of these cities in his movies. The narrative highlighted the importance of location in shaping storytelling and how the cultural backdrop of Berlin and Tokyo influenced his approach to filmmaking. From the vibrant energy of Berlin to the meticulous attention to detail in Tokyo, the director's connection to these cities played a significant role in his cinematic vision.
Evolution of Filmmaking and Streaming Services
The podcast touched upon the evolution of filmmaking in response to the rise of streaming services. The director shared insights into the changing landscape of the film industry, emphasizing the shift towards streaming platforms and the impact on traditional movie theaters. While acknowledging the transformation in distribution and content creation, he also expressed a commitment to creating films for the cinematic experience. The discussion highlighted the dynamic nature of filmmaking in adapting to new technologies and audience preferences.
SEASON 2 - EPISODE 84 - WIM WENDERS - WRITER / DIRECTOR
Writer and director Wim Wenders (PERFECT DAYS; WINGS OF DESIRE; PARIS, TEXAS) joins us on this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast. Early on in the conversation, Wim recounts waiting in the toilet stalls as a student in Paris and watching over 1000 movies in a year before realizing working in film was his way forward. Wim walks us through his first three features, including a disastrous visit to the Venice Film Festival, and reveals how those experiences led to the genesis of his first road movie: ALICE IN THE CITIES. After a winding trip through the American West, Wim was wooed by colour photography and reveals how he and late, great Sam Shepard willed PARIS, TEXAS into existence. Wim later reflects on wrestling with expectations on its followup, WINGS OF DESIRE, and the welcoming invitation to study toilets in Japan that led to the wonderful PERFECT DAYS, which he likens to a documentary about a fictional character. We also learn which of Wim’s many films is his favourite, and we venture a guess at the future of filmmaking and filmgoing.
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This episode is sponsored by Godox & the Dallas Film Commission
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