Oscar-nominated German director Wim Wenders announced Wednesday he will withdraw his 1975 film “Wrong Move” from all distribution and exhibition platforms, including streaming and television, following years of appeals from actress Nastassja Kinski. Kinski, who was filmed topless at age 13 in the movie, stated last month that Wenders, her first director, “didn’t protect me.” Wenders apologized to Kinski and stated the film will only be made available again after a mutually agreed solution is reached with the actress.
Background of the Controversy
The decision addresses a long-standing concern regarding a scene in “Wrong Move” that featured a then-13-year-old Kinski in a topless sequence alongside a male co-star in his early thirties. Kinski has publicly expressed her distress over the scene for decades, indicating in a 1997 interview that she would not have accepted such nudity if she had felt more secure or had adequate protection.
“Wrong Move,” which earned Wenders Best Director at the German Film Awards, has been a point of contention for Kinski, who felt unprotected during the filming of her debut role. Her lawyer reiterated to AFP that the withdrawal was “long overdue” but regretted that it took public pressure to prompt the action.
Wenders’ Statement and Apology
In an Instagram statement, Wenders acknowledged Kinski’s appeals and apologized “unreservedly” for not having protected her adequately at the time. He stated that recent reactions and conversations have sharpened his understanding of the events, for which he is grateful.
“For that, I apologise to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts,” Wenders wrote. He added that an “open and respectful exchange” is necessary for reassessing positions and responsibilities, particularly when dealing with controversial film works from the 20th century.
Path Forward for “Wrong Move”
Wenders plans to engage in a “broad dialogue” with film institutions and relevant groups. He emphasized that the film will only be re-released once a consensus is reached, crucially including Kinski’s agreement. This approach aims to foster new learning processes and inclusive perspectives on cinema history.
The director also spoke about his internal conflict during his acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement honor at the German Film Awards on Friday. He reportedly discussed his struggle with whether to permanently remove the scene, seeking input from younger filmmakers in the audience.
Kinski’s Career and Early Roles
Nastassja Kinski went on to achieve international acclaim, starring in Wenders’ later successful films such as the 1984 cult classic “Paris, Texas” and “Faraway, So Close” in 1993. Her early career also included nudity in films like “To the Devil a Daughter” (1976) and “Stay As You Are” (1978).
Her lawyer’s statement, while welcoming the decision, also expressed regret that it was precipitated by public pressure, suggesting a desire for a more proactive stance in addressing such issues within the film industry.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
Wenders’ decision highlights a growing trend of filmmakers and institutions re-evaluating past works through contemporary ethical lenses. It raises significant questions about artistic legacy, the protection of young performers, and the responsibility of creators and distributors in the digital age.
The film industry will be watching closely to see how this dialogue unfolds and what precedents it might set for handling similar archival content. The focus will be on whether this leads to more standardized protocols for addressing sensitive material in older films, ensuring that historical context is balanced with evolving standards of consent and protection for all individuals involved in filmmaking.
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