Wim Wenders On Oscar Nomination And “All Hell Breaking Loose” During Lockdown Inspiring Peace For Japanese Film ‘Perfect Days’
24.01.2024 - 01:21
/ deadline.com
While in England, German director Wim Wenders was sandwiched between a press tour and a brief lunch when a member of his team walked into the restaurant to secretly signal across the room that he was nominated for his first feature film Oscar with Japan’s Best International Feature Film, Perfect Days. “Someone came in raising their thumb, which was the sign that we had agreed on, and no word was spoken because there were too many guests in the restaurant,” Wenders laughed while retelling the Tuesday nomination. “So, I knew then I could let that meal go a little cold. It was lovely because I had prepared myself to not expect anything. I had completely prepared myself to not be on the list so that I wouldn’t be disappointed. So [this nomination] was quite a surprise today.”
The film Perfect Days, co-written and directed by Wenders, tells the story of Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho), a humble toilet cleaner satisfied by the humdrum goings-on of life in Tokyo. Outside of his structured everyday routine, he enjoys his passion for music, books and minimalist lifestyle. He loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters from his sister and niece reveals more of his past.
Here, the European director shares what it’s like representing another foreign country, the meaning of minimalism and his Oscar nominations.
DEADLINE: As a German filmmaker, do you remember that initial conversation with the Japanese team when they selected your film as their official entry for the Oscars?
WIM WENDERS: Well, the Japanese producers and all my friends there said it is a possibility, but of course they couldn’t [guarantee]. It’s a committee that decides [what movies to choose and vote for]. But I thought I had no choice because
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