Until the End of the World

Sometime in the early 90s, still consumed with everything U2, I stumbled onto a soundtrack for a movie titled, Until the End of the World. U2's song of the same title was on the soundtrack, as it was also on their record, Achtung Baby. As I remember, the entire soundtrack was pretty interesting (I can't remember specifics though: my entire CD collection was stolen out of my car a couple of years later in Denver - 96 discs!), but it was U2 that got me there first.

As one given to following a random thread, I went and rented the movie, a strange pseudo sci-fi drama with a heady dose of morality - actually, it was so bizarre as to defy description. But I liked it. I think. All three something hours of it.

It was written and directed by this Dutch film-maker, Wim Wenders. Several years later I stumbled across him again via a soundtrack leading to a movie. I was attracted to the music from City of Angels, a film that starred Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan. It's a good soundtrack (especially the last four instrumental pieces - in fact, we used those songs as we washed each other's feet, celebrating Maundy Thursday in our home with friends last week). But the important part was that music once again took me to a film, which once again took me to Wim Wenders. Wenders didn't have anything to do with City of Angels except insofar as it is a remake of his film Wings of Desire, a German black and white film shot in Berlin. The sequel to this film is Faraway, So Close!, which SUPRISE! is another U2 song. So now we're full circle.

Anyway, all this to say that about six months ago I read an interview with Wim Wenders in Image, a journal of the arts and religion. It is a great interview that is worth your time if you like the visual medium of film, the creative process, narratives, and how the process of creativity influences and even dictates our own transformation.

An Interview with Wim Wenders

Comments

[Robert Bingaman]

I knew he directed Buena Vista Social Club and Paris, Texas - but I didn't know about everything else - really interesting. A surgeon's son, studied painting, Presbyterian, let's just say I can identify. His thoughts about the loss of place were pretty interesting. I think in many ways we all do that with the places of our past that are no longer the same - when we get the chance, we have to see the change for ourselves.

[Paul]

Tim:
Was in Berlin this last summer and saw the Angel of Victory statue from the Stay video. It was really amazing. Can't say that I've seen the movie though it does sound interesting. I always loved the video eventhough it has been accused of being somewhat cheesy. Honestly, I don't think about angels very much, although we just started reading Hebrews in our morning Bible study at work. What should our response be to angels? It is said that they are higher then we are in glorification at this point. Not sure of their purpose if God is totally involved in our lives and can be all places at all times. The Bible talks about angels protecting us, but what protection do we need if God is all around us? Just curious on your thoughts.

[Beth]

I haven't seen "until..." tho I have seen "Faraway So Close." I've never related much to angels either, but the notion of an angel getting overinvolved in trying to help his charges was touching.

[Alyce]

Thanks for the article. My husband and i have few common artistic interests but few as they may be, the ones we like are out of time wonderful. Wen Wenders's films would be out common desire. He can spin vinal in the basement and listen to 70's christian Rock all he likes but I am just too cynical for Christian "contempary" music of any sort but praise music. I don't dwell on angels (Too cynical for them too) but Wings of Desire is my all time favorite movie EVER. I refuse to ever see the remake. It would not work for me. Thanks for reminding me of something very special.

[ken]

I'm sure you know this, but Wim Wenders also directed The Million Dollar Hotel, with a soundtrack by U2, and written by Bono. It's an interesting film, but the soundtrack is very kick-ass.