The State of Things

Synopsis

In the 1982 film The State of Things (original title: 'Der Stand der Dinge'), director Wim Wenders explores the intricacies of filmmaking and the blurring lines between fiction and reality. The story revolves around a struggling film crew stuck in a deserted location in Portugal, grappling with the collapse of their production. As they face existential dilemmas amidst apathy and uncertainty, the crew members confront their personal fears and motivations. The atmosphere is layered with a sense of melancholy as Wenders reflects on the nature of creativity, the disappointments of the cinematic world, and what it means to pursue art in a fractured reality. Beneath its seemingly simple narrative lies a profound commentary on the human condition and the struggles of artistic integrity. This contemplative film lingers in the viewer’s mind, prompting questions about the state of the art of filmmaking itself.

Cast

• 

  Isabelle Weingarten

  Anna

• 

  Rebecca Pauly

  Joan

• Jeffrey Kime

  Mark

• 

  Geoffrey Carey

  Robert

• Camila Mora-Scheihing

  Julia

• 

  Alexandra Auder

  Jane

Reviews

Critics have offered mixed reviews of 'The State of Things,' highlighting its unique approach yet criticizing its pacing. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 40%, reflecting a divide among viewers and critics alike. The Washington Post described it as 'a meditation on the difficulties of cinematic storytelling,' appreciating its reflective tone, although others found it 'tediously slow' and lacking in engagement. IMDb users rated the film a solid 6.9/10, indicating a more favorable reception from general audiences than critics. The Guardian noted, 'Wenders captures the existential plight of artists with stunning visual poetry, yet some may find its abstract nature off-putting.' Metacritic placed the film's score at 54, which denotes mixed or average reviews, showing that while some appreciate its thematic depth, others struggled to connect. Overall, while The State of Things is celebrated for its introspective qualities and introspective narrative, it does not cater to all tastes, leaving a polarization that reflects the complexity of its subject matter.