Anselm

Kiefer is probably the living artist most deserving of attention: he retains a connection to modernism while understanding its ideas and questions as dead, not fertile but rich fertiliser. In a way, his work attempts to construct a tomb worthy of what has been lost – for Europe, its culture, its history. Wenders both finds a real reason to film in 3D and gives the viewer time to take in and reflect upon the work. But theatres really need to pour more light through the projector during 3D films.

I appreciated the close look at this prolific artist. Wenders' use of actors to portray Kiefer at different points of his life, as well as bringing actual landscapes or footage into the film as points of comparison to some of Kiefer's work effectively connects Kiefer and his work to the wider world. And that connection is kind of the point, as the sparse dialogue with Kiefer is oriented toward his interaction with (German) history.

I'm generally a fan of Wenders, but this seems a little extravagant. I didn't watch the 3D, 25K-res version; even so, this isn't an ordinary biopic. The subject here goes all out for (often oversized) abstract art, and either he or Wenders believes that the art should speak for itself, even when it's pretty cryptic (and spooky). Afterwards, I'm not entirely sure I have a better understanding of the artist or what he stands for. Quite beautiful (in parts), but ultimately unsubstantial.

Interesting Visual Story about Great Artist with Giant Works!!!