Wim Wenders Pulls ‘The Wrong Move’ Over Kinski Nude Scene

In a significant decision, filmmaker Wim Wenders has chosen to withdraw his 1975 movie “The Wrong Move” due to a controversial nude scene featuring then-13-year-old Nastassja Kinski. Now 65, Kinski requested Wenders to reedit the film, expressing her concerns in an interview with the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

“That was my first film, he was my first director, and he didn’t protect me,” Kinski stated. Wenders, renowned for his work on “Paris, Texas” and “Wings of Desire,” issued a public apology to Kinski, acknowledging the need for better protection for her during the film’s production.

“I recognize that Nastassja Kinski should have been better protected back then,” said Wenders. “For that, I apologize to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts.”

“The Wrong Move” marked the screen debut for Kinski, daughter of Klaus Kinski, with the film depicting her as a mute teen acrobat who appears topless. Wenders announced plans to remove the film from all distribution avenues, including streaming and television broadcasts. Until a resolution is reached, the movie will remain inaccessible.

Wenders plans to engage in a broad dialogue, prioritizing input from Kinski, the German Film Academy, and other cinema-related organizations. He stressed the importance of society addressing such controversial film elements thoughtfully and inclusively, incorporating new perspectives on cinema.

“It is necessary for our society to find appropriate ways of dealing with controversial film works from the 20th Century and to face new learning processes and inclusive perspectives regarding cinema,” said Wenders.

At the German Film Awards, Wenders discussed the implications of retroactively editing a film, noting it could set a precedent affecting the film industry broadly. Kinski, who would later star in Wenders’ “Paris, Texas,” has reflected on her early experiences in film with regret.

She previously appeared nude in other films at 14 and 17, such as “To the Devil a Daughter” and “Stay As You Are.” Kinski expressed in a 1997 interview with W Magazine her yearning for protection and security, lamenting her decisions regarding nudity.

“If I had had somebody to protect me or if I had felt more secure about myself, I would not have accepted certain things. Nudity things,” Kinski said. “And inside it was tearing me apart.”

Representatives for Kinski have yet to respond to inquiries made by The Associated Press.