Join us for a cinematic road trip through the films of visionary director Wim Wenders, whose work has redefined cinematic storytelling. In conjunction with the LAB111 program Drifters and Dreamers: The Films of Wim Wenders and the stunning 4K restoration of Paris, Texas (1984), Tom Ooms and Elliot Bloom explore the recurring themes of transience, memory, and the search for meaning that define Wenders’ expansive body of work.
Known for his haunting cinematography (often crafted by Dutch cinematographer Robby Müller) and his deeply humanistic perspective, Wenders’ films are both personal reflections and universal meditations on existence. We’ll examine his recurring motif of the traveler—whether an angel, filmmaker, or pilgrim—navigating between real and imagined worlds.
From the fractured narrative of Paris, Texas to the contemplative Perfect Days (2023), we delve into how Wenders transcends genre boundaries, using the road movie to create a unique cinematic language that speaks directly to the soul. Whether revisiting his classics or discovering his work for the first time, this episode offers an essential guide to Wim Wenders’ vision—why his films may not be for everyone, but are undeniably worth experiencing.
Book tickets to The Films of Wim Wenders
Show notes
- A Brief History of New German Cinema | Little White Lies
- In conversation with… Wim Wenders, on Alice in the Cities | BFI
- Paris, Texas – The Myth of Modern America | It’s Just Cinema
- This scene made Paris, Texas (1984) my favorite film of all time | Soder
- What Color Means in “Paris, Texas” | Vaughn Supple
- PERFECT DAYS (2024) a Cinematic Ode to the Ordinary | Up in the Air ft. Zürich
- Hollywood’s Obsession with Ambition | Thomas Flight
Films mentioned
- A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg, 2025)
- Razor Blades (Paul Sharits, 1968)
- Andy Warhol Screen Tests (Andy Warhol, 1965)
- Paris, Texas (Wim Wenders, 1984)
- Wings of Desire (Wim Wenders, 1987)
- The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick (Wim Wenders, 1972)
- Alice in the Cities (Wim Wenders, 1974)
- The American Friend (Wim Wenders, 1977)
- Down By Law (Jim Jarmusch, 1986)
- Deadman (Jim Jarmusch, 1995)
- Dancer in the Dark (Lars von Trier, 2000)
- Breaking Waves (Lars von Trier, 1996)
- Wrong Move (Wim Wenders, 1975)
- Kings of the Road (Wim Wenders, 1976)
- The Talented Mr. Ripley (Anthony Minghella, 1999)
- Easy Rider (Dennis Hopper, 1969)
- Der Untergang (Oliver Hirschbiegel, 2004)
- Hammet (Wim Wenders, 1982)
- Robocop (Paul Verhoeven, 1987)
- Until the End of the World (Wim Wenders, 1991)
- Buenas Vista Social Club (Wim Wenders, 1999)
- Pina (Wim Wenders, 2011)
- Perfect Days (Wim Wenders, 2023)
- Anselm (Wim Wenders, 2023)
- Shall We Dance? (Masayuki Suō, 1996)
- Cure (Kiyoshi Kurosawa, 1997)
Our hosts
