DVD Corner

Anselm Blu-ray Review

“Anselm” is a visual treat. 

Director Wim Wenders has been a busy man as of late having helmed the wonderful “Perfect Days” and now “Anselm,” a documentary on the German painter/sculptor Anselm Kiefer. The documentary is rather unusual in how it unfolds. This isn’t the type of documentary in which the subject is interviewed at length. The cigar smoking Anselm does appear, but he is shown working on art pieces (with paint and fire) or taking viewers through his massive installations by walking through them. The documentary also recreates younger versions of Anselm to touch upon his past by having Anton Wenders play a child version of Anselm and Daniel Kiefer playing a young adult version of Anselm. His life isn’t explored as much as one might expect. There are a few moments where archival interviews and footage of Kiefer is included. Really though the audience gets to know the man through his art.

For those that are unfamiliar with the artist’s work, Kiefer’s pieces tend to deal with Germany’s dark past, nature, and WWII’s impact on nature. Kiefer also pays homage to people/artists such as poet Paul Celan who is mentioned on more than a few occasions. Much of the art that is beautifully displayed in an absolutely cinematic fashion by Wenders and Co. involves gigantic portraits, dress sculptures, photographs, towering sculptures (outdoor and indoor), etc. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring thing about his work is the sheer volume of it. Over the course of the film, we see the various Ateliers/studios that have housed his art ala the warehouse sized workshops and the Barjac property which is essentially a small town dedicated to art. To say he’s prolific is selling it short. 

Some viewers might be disappointed to not learn more about who Anselm Kiefer is (especially in the present day) and that’s certainly valid. He still remains a mystery, but perhaps that was always the intention especially when it comes to incorporating actors portraying younger versions of himself. We learn a little through the artistically done sequences, but he remains an enigmatic figure. At the end of the day, perhaps it is best that his art should do the speaking for him. It’s certainly worth a lot more than a thousand words.

Note: The 3D edition of the film is also included in this Janus Contemporaries set.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Shot in 6K + 3D, the film offers up a dazzling display of imagery from Anselm’s art pieces to glorious shots of nature. As one might guess, the Blu-ray transfer is nothing short of perfect.

Audio Track: German/English 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a crisp 5.1 track.

Extras:
* A booklet with an essay by Michael Joshua Rowin.
* “Anselm” trailer
* “Meet the Filmmakers”- A nearly 16 minute interview with Wim Wenders in which he talks about Anselm Kiefer, filmmaking, how the doc came about and more.

July 23, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Anselm 3D, Anselm Blu-ray Review, Anselm Kiefer, Art, Wim Wenders