Wings of Desire

In the realm of singular cinema, few films project the unique aura of creativity, profundity, and magic as is embodied by German cinematic auteur, Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire (1987). Anchored by Bruno Ganz and Solveig Dommartin and featuring the craft of Otto Sander, this cinematic marvel intertwines an ethereal narrative with existential musings in the heart of Berlin.

The film places us right in the midst of Berlin’s post-war grayscape, prior to the fall of the wall, told through the lens of emblematic observations in black and white, to portray the banality and brokenness of everyday life. The setting is an urbane pastiche that positions the city as a living, breathing character in itself – a silent witness to human triumphs and trials that it cradles amidst its historical relics and functional modernities.

Bruno Ganz and Otto Sander play Damiel and Cassiel, the film's two central figures, who are angels perched atop Berlin’s physical and temporal landscape. They are privy to every fleeting thought, existential angst, moment of joy, and hint of despair that shrouds the metropolitan multitude, silently watching over the evolving cityscape and its residents. The cherry on the top is Ganz's exquisite performance that truly brings to life the muted struggle of his character, Damiel, an angel.

Taking her place amidst Wenders’ pantheon of compelling characters is Marion, played by Solveig Dommartin. Marion is a solitary trapeze artist whose life becomes bound to Damiel's in the most unexpected fashion. Dommartin’s portrayal of Marion, with all her vivacity and vulnerability, intertwines seamlessly with the surreal fabric of Wenders’ narrative, providing a captivating contrast to the ethereal solitude of Damiel's existence.

The cinematographic brilliance of the film does not remain limited to its human and celestial characters. Instead, it uses iconographic city landmarks, such as the war ravaged Potsdamer Platz or the historic Berlin State Library, not just as mere backdrops but as potent symbols that embody collective memories and a sense of shared humanity.

The black and white visuals of the film, shot by legendary French cinematographer Henri Alekan, symbolize the austere perspective of the angels. Splashes of color that make sporadic appearances reflect the human perspective, the earthy and visceral experience of being alive. This contrast underscores the film's narrative and philosophical exploration magnificently.

Wings of Desire plays out like a visual poem rather than a traditional narrative, contemplatively reflecting on the beauty and pain of human existence. The film seamlessly delves into wide-ranging philosophical theme; it is an exploration of longing, the concept of time and space, nuances of isolation, and the existential paradoxes of the mortal existence.

In a distinctive aesthetic choice, Wenders uses a mix of voice-over monologues and personal soliloquies in place of regular dialogue. This lends a dreamlike quality to the narrative, plunging viewers into the personal and profound world of each character, thereby amplifying the subtle emotional undertones while adding to the film's overall contemplative tone.

Considered by many as one of the greatest German films ever made, Wings of Desire draws a stark contrast to contemporary cinema with its deeply contemplative narrative that takes its time to unfold. It is a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, shared histories and the unmistakable human desire for connection that is no less powerful than the spiritual wrestlings of the angels who observe.

In the guise of a romantic fantasy, Wenders offers a lyrical examination of human existence, a wistful glance at what it means to feel, to long for connection and to be mortal. In essence, the film surrenders technicolor spectacles and fast paced storytelling for chapters of introspection, letting the transcendence seep through the cracks of the ordinary.

The resonance of Wings of Desire lies in its remarkable ability to transcend the conventional confines of cinema, offering not just a film, but an immersive and introspectively enriching experience. Its labyrinthine narrative shoots off into unpredictable alleys, meandering between palpable worldliness and the ethereal, creating a cinematic mosaic of hope, yearning and the beauty of being human.

In a nutshell, Wings of Desire is an artistic feat and a cinematic gift that fuses together the essence of cinema and philosophy while staying true to the realist portrayal of a city and its people. It's more than just a movie; it's an experience to savor, a journey that dares to question the true meaning of mortality and desire. This film stays with you, lingering in your thoughts, echoing its profound message long after the credits roll. It's a moving meditation on humanity that is sure to touch every viewer, independent of their cultural background.