Hotel zur Unsterblichkeit

The opening of the curtain for this very experimental and speculative film immediately reminds you of the great cinematography of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger and their masterpiece "A Matter of Life and Death". There is no war here, but the issue of death is omnipresent. The story is not quite clear, there is too much fantasy while the realism is not enough, as it gets muddled up in mysteries that never are explained. Whatever happened to doctor Frisch, for example? Bianca is adamant in believing that it is all fake, that death does not exist, and that they are all hospitalized in an asylum, but there is nothing wrong with her, so that aspect must be taken into account. It also reminds somewhat of Alain Resnais in his most enigmatic intricacies, while at least both Peter O'Toole and Colin Firth are quite convincing in their parts. It's an odd film like no other, and the mythological touch is very efficient and intriguing. It's all a kind of experimental fantasy and suggestion of an idea, that actually is more reasonable than it appears, especially when you enter an allegorical scrutiny and analysis. It is fascinating all the way, although you will have to bear with certain incomprehensible anomalies.

Peter O'Toole plays... himself! (basically), as a famous and somewhat distanced (in more ways that one) Movie Star, with Colin Firth as his avenging stalker.

This film is worth the wait of a rather slow beginning, and yes, it is a masterpiece.

A definite must see for every film enthusiast.

What makes this movie a very pleasant experience is, of course, Peter O'Toole. He performs with great gusto in the role of a narcissistic, typically selfish and spoiled movie star. The press conference scene alone is the reason why we watch movies. Unforgettable, brilliant, timeless O'Toole.

There are flaws, however, such as the uninspired choice of C. Firth to play the writer and a not-so-good script to develop the story. The basic idea is very good and has great potential, but the script goes on a single note and the actor-writer relationship remains somehow undeveloped. There is a brief naked scene thrown in, not fitting the rest and completely unnecessary - just an example of confused direction, a "what the hell was that for" moment. And, well, when the movie ended, I felt that it could have been more.

The movie does have a certain surreal quality, plus a great performance from O'Toole. And it's still a relevant commentary on the ephemeral nature of fame, a look into our fascination for movie magic and movie stars, but also a bitter-sweet reminder of our mortality. "Wings of Fame" definitely deserves more credit... and a better DVD treatment, by the way.

I was lucky enough to see this film at the Chicago Film Festival in the early 90s, and also to participate in a discussion after the screening with the director. I had not seen it again until today, broken up in 9 parts on YouTube. I remembered it vividly, though some 25 years have passed. A very clever philosophical comedy, beautifully shot with wonderful acting. It's a tragedy that this movie is so hard to find (especially considering Colin Firth's current popularity) and shocking that the director hasn't directed more than just one other feature and a short. I remember him telling us that most of the shots were improvised, not the acting of them, but the set ups and lighting, which is amazing considering how beautiful the movie is. It's really one of those "every shot looks like a painting" type films. The YouTube print actually does it justice, but I would love to get a DVD somehow. Anyway, however you can, see this movie. And someone hire this director again.

This movie deals with the subject of fame and legacy in a hauntingly surreal fashion.

Though relatively unknown (and under celebrated) it truly is a masterpiece, and should be seen by everyone who is, was, or ever wished they could be "famous".