Wim Wenders is withdrawing his 1975 film “The Wrong Move” from distribution after acknowledging that actress Nastassja Kinski was 13 when a topless scene was shot. In a statement on his foundation’s website, the 80-year-old director apologized and said the Wim
The shock for Nastassja Kinski wasn’t just what happened on set in 1975. It was realizing the movie could still be watched years later—until Wim Wenders decided it would not.
Wenders. 80. is withdrawing his 1975 road film “The Wrong Move” from all forms of distribution and exhibition after it included a nude scene featuring Kinski. who was 13 at the time filming took place. The director said he was apologizing for what he now believes should have been handled differently. and he ordered the film removed from public access.
In a statement published on the nonprofit Wim Wenders Foundation’s website. the “Perfect Days” director said he takes full responsibility as the only person “responsible at the time for ‘Wrong Move’ who is still here.” He apologized to Kinski “unreservedly. no ifs and buts. ” saying: “Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then.”.
After the withdrawal decision. Wenders said the Wim Wenders Foundation—owner of the film—will instruct streaming services. television broadcasters. and distribution partners to stop providing the movie. He said he will seek a “broad dialogue” that includes Kinski and groups such as the German Film Academy. and that the film would only be made available again “after that process has taken place. ” even if it takes “considerable time.”.
“The Wrong Move” follows a writer played by Rüdiger Vogler and features a young acrobat character played by Kinski. which was her first film credit. The movie is also described as the second installment in a trilogy of Wenders’ road films. following 1974’s “Alice in the Cities” and preceding 1976’s “Kings of the Road.”.
Kinski is now 65. She recently told the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung that “The Wrong Move” was “my first film. [Wenders] was my first director and he didn’t protect me. ” a remark carried by The Associated Press. Her account adds pressure to Wenders’ apology—because his decision comes as her criticism has already reached a wider public.
The timing also matters. Wenders’ move to pull the film followed days after he spoke about the topless scene at the German Film Awards on May 29. Reporting by The Hollywood Reporter said he told attendees he would not shoot the topless scene in “The Wrong Move” today. and that he was “struggling” over whether he should go back and remove it from the film.
Wenders is known for award-winning work including “Wings of Desire” and “Buena Vista Social Club.” His most recent film, “Perfect Days,” is a 2023 Oscar-nominated story about a man who lives a peaceful life while cleaning public toilets.
Wim Wenders The Wrong Move Nastassja Kinski Perfect Days film withdrawal German Film Awards distribution streaming
Pull it, simple. 13 is not “art,” it’s gross.