The Cannes Film Festival is an esteemed event where most filmmakers dream of having a single entry. Wim Wenders, however, has accomplished the extraordinary feat of presenting two films.
His tenth submission for the festival’s highest honour, “Perfect Days,” is on the same program as a special screening of “Anselm,” his 3D exploration of German artist Anselm Kiefer’s work. Despite the vastly different themes of the two films, one was a direct result of the other, Wenders shared with Reuters.
While waiting during post-production for “Anselm,” he visited Japan. “Unexpectedly, we found ourselves creating a movie in Japan,” Wenders admitted. This surprising project, “Perfect Days,” starring Koji Yakusho, a highly-praised Japanese actor, as a janitor in Tokyo, will premiere soon.
The film presents the protagonist’s everyday life – his work, reading habits, and musical preferences. Through various interactions, the audience uncovers details of his past. The Cannes festival committee was taken with the “impromptu” project, assembled in a few months, and wished to feature it, said Wenders.
“I didn’t decline as I considered, ‘I’m familiar with Cannes, but never had two films here simultaneously. It’ll indeed be a unique experience,'” he expressed.
Wenders, an Oscar nominee for the best documentary feature three times with “Buena Vista Social Club” in 2000, “Pina” in 2012, and “The Salt of the Earth” in 2015, was eager to collaborate with Yakusho. Despite the language barrier, communication between them flowed seamlessly.
“We understood each other through eye contact and subtle gestures. It proved to be the perfect language,” he acknowledged. “No other actor had followed my instructions so precisely, primarily as I couldn’t articulate them in words.”
In contrast, according to Wenders, “Anselm” feels more experiential than cinematic. Kiefer’s art often examines the lingering impact of Nazi Germany’s visual and verbal propaganda on the nation’s culture and post-Second World War history.
“I believe I’ve brought audiences into Anselm’s world,” Wenders said. It’s a world deeply rooted in history, particularly the post-war era in Germany, and also has elements of an archaeological narrative, he added.
In this unanticipated convergence of two diverse films at Cannes, Wim Wenders continues to prove his versatility and creative genius. By taking audiences on unique journeys with “Perfect Days” and “Anselm,” he fosters a deeper appreciation for human experiences and the deep layers of history and culture. His dual feature at Cannes is another testament to his formidable storytelling prowess, ensuring he remains an influential figure in international cinema.
