Land of Plenty

Land of Plenty

Company type	Independent film
Industry	Film
Founded	2004
Founder	Wim Wenders
Products	Drama film

Land of Plenty is a 2004 American drama film directed by Wim Wenders, featuring performances by Michelle Williams and John Diehl. The movie's title is inspired by the song "The Land of Plenty," composed by Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson, which is included in the soundtrack. This film represents the last cinematic role of actress Gloria Stuart before her passing in 2010.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of post-9/11 America, the narrative centers on Lana, an American woman who spent considerable time abroad in Africa and the Middle East alongside her missionary parents. Upon returning from the West Bank, she takes a position at a homeless shelter in Los Angeles and reconnects with her uncle Paul, a Vietnam veteran grappling with deep psychological scars. Paul becomes fixated on documenting people with Arab appearances, driven by suspicions of terrorism, whereas Lana, influenced by her anti-war experiences overseas, feels estranged from American society.

Utilizing her global insights, Lana observes striking similarities between impoverished neighborhoods in Los Angeles and those in developing countries. After witnessing the killing of a young Pakistani man near the shelter, Lana and Paul transport his body to his family, embarking on a road journey that immerses Paul in Muslim domestic life. Their travels allow both characters to develop a richer appreciation of each other’s viewpoints.

Cast

• Michelle Williams as Lana
• John Diehl as Paul
• Shaun Toub as Hassan
• Wendell Pierce as Henry
• Richard Edson as Jimmy
• Burt Young as Sherman
• Yuri Elvin as Officer Elvin
• Jeris Lee Poindexter as Charles
• Rhonda Stubbins White as Dee Dee
• Victoria Thomas as News Reporter
• Matthew Kimbrough as News Anchor
• Paul West as Policeman
• Jeffrey Vincent Parise as Coroner's Assistant
• Christa Lang as Trailer Park Woman
• Warren Stearns as Mortician
• Bernard White as Youssef
• Gloria Stuart as Old lady

Production

Director Wim Wenders revealed that the film was conceived as a response to his criticism of how Christian fundamentalism was exploited during the Bush administration. He emphasized themes of unity with impoverished communities and resistance to warfare. The movie investigates poverty within the United States—particularly in Hollywood—connecting this issue to the aftermath of 9/11 trauma and exposing deficiencies in America's social welfare system despite its wealth and foundational principles.

Filming was completed over 16 days utilizing digital camera technology. Distribution within the U.S. was managed by IFC Films.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered a 63% approval rating based on 27 critiques, with an average rating of 6.1 out of 10. Meanwhile, on Metacritic, it holds a score of 62 out of 100 from 10 reviewers, indicating generally positive feedback.

Kevin Thomas from the Los Angeles Times acknowledged imperfections but regarded it as a unique creation from a significant director. Leslie Felperin of Variety praised Michelle Williams for delivering an engaging and credible portrayal of a politically conscious humanitarian.

External links

• Official site
• Land of Plenty featured at IFC Center