Veteran German director Wim Wenders has announced the withdrawal of his 1975 film, 'Wrong Move' (Falsche Bewegung), from public circulation. The decision, communicated in a statement released on Wednesday, centres on a scene within the film that features a then 13-year-old Nastassja Kinski topless. Wenders acknowledged that the young actor should have received greater protection during the production of the film.
The director's statement instructed all streaming platforms, television broadcasters, and distribution partners to immediately cease making the film publicly accessible. This move reflects a growing re-evaluation within the film industry regarding the portrayal and safeguarding of child actors, particularly in historical contexts where past practices may not align with contemporary ethical standards and child protection guidelines.
'Wrong Move' is a drama inspired by Goethe's novel 'Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship', with a screenplay by Austrian author Peter Handke. It explores themes of alienation and self-discovery, and was part of Wenders' early, critically acclaimed body of work that established him as a significant voice in New German Cinema. The film earned several German Film Awards upon its release, including for Best Feature Film and Best Director, and was celebrated for its distinctive visual style and atmospheric storytelling.
Nastassja Kinski, who went on to achieve international stardom in films such as 'Tess' and 'Paris, Texas' (also directed by Wenders), made one of her earliest screen appearances in 'Wrong Move'. Her career has spanned several decades, encompassing collaborations with numerous renowned directors. The scene in question has, over time, become a point of discussion in broader conversations about the ethics of filmmaking and the responsibilities owed to young performers.
Wenders' decision follows similar instances in the cultural sphere where creators or institutions have revisited older works through a modern ethical lens. This trend highlights an ongoing shift in societal attitudes towards child welfare and consent in creative industries, prompting a re-evaluation of content that may have been considered acceptable at the time of its original production but is now viewed differently. The withdrawal of 'Wrong Move' from public access underscores the evolving standards and increased scrutiny applied to historical cinematic works.
For UK audiences, 'Wrong Move' was not widely available on major streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video at the time of this announcement. Its availability was typically limited to specialist film archives or DVD/Blu-ray releases. This withdrawal means that even those niche avenues will now be blocked as per the director's instructions, ensuring the film is no longer accessible to the public.
Source: Wim Wenders' statement