Le ali del successo

A fantasy journey in the world of famous people... a new Idea where this fame, craze, public following, fan following, stardom etc...etc wanes by time!!!!

Hints must be given to follow the film... . And a slight 1 % leak in the process is expected. But Peter Otoole what an actor he is.... versatile and thoroughly entertaining...

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 great film wasn't released in Germany at all due to a disastrous box office in the Netherlands, which is a pity, for this film is funnier and more intelligent than most of the crap flooding the theatres. A true masterpiece yet to be discovered!!!!

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.

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".