The State of Things grew out of the protracted delays and artistic frustrations Wim Wenders experienced in making Hammett in Hollywood. In the end, Wenders came to re-evaluate his coveted position as a European director in Hollywood in the rich tradition of Fritz Lang, Max Ophuls and others. Report from Hollywood is a documentary on the making of The State of Things in Hollywood, and is itself an attempt to further probe “the state of things” in that fair city. Directed by Ed Lachman, who was the cameraman on Wenders' The American Friend (and on Herzog's Stroszek), the documentary reveals an artistic appreciation for Wenders' own style (as opposed to Hammett's). Lachman skillfully juxtaposes scenes from The State of Things with footage of the making of the film itself on the streets of Hollywood and impromptu interviews with Wenders and his stars. Sam Fuller and Allen Goorwitz--who star as cameraman and producer, respectively, in The State of Things--are here given a forum for their unique personalities. Sam spiels, Allen ironizes, and it becomes apparent that Wenders worked very closely with his actors in creating characters for The State of Things. Also featured are Chris Sievernich, The State of Things' producer, and Patrick Bauchau, its star.

(Substitution: Rainer Werner Fassbinder's I Only Want You to Love Me, (West Germany, 1976), "During his entire life Peter has attempted to gain the love of those closest to him. After his marriage and move to the city, he incurs difficulties and problems caused by furnishing an apartment and supporting a family, until he seemingly reaches a point 'of no return'. He commits a murder, which later is described as being senseless, indeed he finally draws attention to the senselessness of his life by an insensitive act. (16mm, color, 114 mins., in German with English titles, print from Goethe Institute & Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany) )