Renowned German director Wim Wenders has publicly apologised to actress Nastassja Kinski for a nude scene in his 1975 film, 'The Wrong Move', acknowledging that Kinski was underage at the time of filming. In a significant move, Wenders has also announced the immediate withdrawal of the film from all circulation, effectively removing it from public access and distribution.
The scene in question was filmed when Nastassja Kinski was just 13 years old, a detail that has drawn renewed attention in recent years amid broader discussions within the film industry regarding the exploitation and safeguarding of child actors. Wenders, a celebrated figure in European cinema, whose works include 'Paris, Texas' and 'Wings of Desire', expressed regret over the historical context and the impact on Kinski.
'The Wrong Move' (original German title: 'Falsche Bewegung') is a road movie loosely based on Goethe's novel 'Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship'. It features a young Kinski in one of her early roles. While the film received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered a significant work in Wenders' early career, the circumstances surrounding the particular scene have become a point of contention and ethical debate.
This action by Wenders reflects a growing trend within the cultural sector to re-evaluate past works through a contemporary lens, particularly concerning issues of consent, age, and power dynamics on film sets. The decision to pull the film entirely underscores a recognition of the lasting impact such scenes can have on individuals and the need for greater accountability, even decades after production.
Currently, 'The Wrong Move' is not widely available on major UK streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or NOW. Its removal from circulation means that any existing physical copies or digital licences will likely be recalled or ceased, making it unavailable for future viewing or distribution.