Anselm

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Anselm

Released Dec 8, 2023

1h 33m

Documentary

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

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53 Reviews

80%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

In Anselm, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K-resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist's work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology, and religion. For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer's path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.

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Critics Consensus

Visually thrilling and refreshingly unconventional, Anselm pays mesmerizing tribute to a brilliant artist's life and legacy.

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Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

Wim Wenders documentary Anselm...makes sublime and supple use of the finest 3D film experience I can remember.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 1, 2024

Full Review

G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

Kiefer’s legacy is told through his breathtaking work, much of it depicting desolate, bombed-out landscapes.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 17, 2024

Full Review

Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

It is as unique and thought-provoking as Kiefer’s own epic works.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 11, 2024

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Nicolás Dell’Acqua

EscribiendoCine

Although the pace can be somewhat slow, perhaps due to excess solemnity, the visual beauty and music compensate for this. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 8/10

Sep 20, 2024

Full Review

Philip Bagnall

Loud and Clear Reviews

Anselm is not concerned with answering the questions the works raise, but rather invites the viewer to engage with the questions themselves. [...] exactly the kind of 3D experience we need: intelligent, challenging and heartfelt.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 19, 2024

Full Review

Manu Yáñez

Fotogramas

... One of [Wenders'] most meditative films, in which archival images, new footage, and some fictional scenes are threaded to reveal the complexity of Kiefer's work. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/5

Sep 13, 2024

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Peter R

Part art film and part documentary. beautifully filmed in 3D a tribute and meditation on Anselm Kiefer, his history, art and craft

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/08/24

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A M

Absolute masterpiece

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/14/24

Full Review

Roseila B

Amazing and touching film about Kiefer as an artist and as a man.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/16/24

Full Review

Jane B

I didn't experience Anselm as a great artist - in the movie he comes across as a pretentious egotist, and the work in his various factory "ateliers" as noisy, ugly and pointless. It was painful and depressingl to watch and I left with a splitting headache before the end.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

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Emily C

A collaboration between two of the greatest artists of our time. Will see it again, it's too much to try to get in one viewing. Wear the 3-D glasses.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/31/23

Full Review

Don L

Not really a documentary--more of very, very, slow and more than occasionally pretentious art film. Kiefer's art is often impressive, and this might have made a nice 30-minute long moody art film. But over an hour an a half? Way, way, way too long.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

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Wim Wenders

Director

Anselm Kiefer

Self

Wim Wenders

Writer

Karsten Brünig

Producer

Leonard Küßner

Music

Franz Lustig

Cinematographer

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Anselm: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In Anselm, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K-resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist's work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology, and religion. For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer's path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.

Director: Wim Wenders
Producer: Karsten Brünig
Screenwriter: Wim Wenders
Distributor: Sideshow / Janus Films
Production Co: Road Movies Filmproduktion [de]
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: German
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 8, 2023, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $42.6K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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