Wenders' 3D Architectural Tour of Zumthor's Works Is Visually Stunning but Emotionally Flat
Wim Wenders' latest 3D documentary, premiering at Venice, offers immersive views of Swiss architect Peter Zumthor's structures, from his home to the Therme Vals spa. The film showcases the format's potential for depth and space, but the review finds it impressive yet somewhat dull. It continues Wenders' series of 3D portraits of artists, following 'Pina' and 'Anselm'.
The documentary runs one hour and fifty-four minutes and premiered out of competition at Venice. It tours several Zumthor sites, including the Therme Vals spa, the Steilneset Memorial in Norway, the Bruder Klaus Field Chapel in Germany, and the recently completed David Geffen Galleries at LACMA.
Wenders compiled the architect's own commentary from fourteen years of standard 2D footage. To add scale, the director placed figures like Ava DuVernay, Siri Hustvedt, and Werner Herzog within the spaces, though their movements appear stiff. This is Wenders' third acclaimed 3D documentary after 'Pina' and 'Anselm'.
This film could reinforce 3D cinema's niche value for architectural appreciation, potentially encouraging museums and art-house theaters to program more immersive documentaries. It may also shape public perception of Zumthor's concrete structures, though the emotionally flat execution might limit its reach beyond dedicated architecture and film enthusiasts, keeping its societal footprint modest.