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Wings of Fame (1990)

Posted By: Someonelse

Date: 20 Mar 2016 12:28:52

Director: Otakar Votocek
Stars: Peter O'Toole, Colin Firth, Marie Trintignant

A famous movie actor claims that he has written a book. As result, a real author, not a very well known writer, vengenfully kills him but then dies as a result of an accident. Next, they both find themselves in after-life, where souls of all famous people are gathered.

IMDB | Wikipedia | Wings of Fame

What a strange yet compelling little film this is. Made in 1990, it only got a TV release in the UK and has now largely been forgotten. However, it is a film that deserves a mini-revival. As the synopsis above states, the film is about two deceased people, one famous in his lifetime as a celebrated actor, the other famous for killing the said actor. They arrive at a strange timeless hotel aboard a boat in which only famous people reside. The more famous you are the better your room is, which means people are continually moving up and down the pecking order based on the whims of the living.

Wings of Fame (1990)

Whilst the film deals cleverly with the fleeting nature of fame - an even more relevant subject in this day and age - it is the world that is created which is the most fascinating element. The set up could almost be from a giallo (there's a hint of Bazzoni's "Footprints" in the locale), but the lighter tone and British sensibility at times turns it into a farce (a very enjoyable one). The way the most coveted types of fame in our society are shown to be so superficial in the grand scheme of things makes for thought provoking yet enjoyable viewing…

Wings of Fame is a discussion of the fleeting nature of fame and how little it actually means in terms of happiness or fulfillment.

Wings of Fame (1990)

Peter O'Toole is a great actor. Colin Firth is the author of a book titled Wings of Fame that the actor claimed as his own work.

The actor is at the height of his fame. The book would have given the writer the fame he deserved.

Wings of Fame (1990)

In a moment of anger and opportunity, the writer shoots the actor at a film festival in front of his adoring fans. Then the film begins in earnest.

The two are linked together by the act of murder. The journey they take to discover themselves and each other is fascinating.

Wings of Fame (1990)

Many philosophical questions are asked, but no conclusions are drawn. The one thing that is pointed out graphically is that all famous people fade in the memory of the living once they are no longer producing anything new.

Wings of Fame (1990)

The film is slow paced but loaded with acid wit that Dorothy Parker would admire. It also contains brilliant acting by O'Toole and Firth.

Wings of Fame (1990)

The cinematography is wonderful and full of references to modern art.

This is not a film for everyone. But those who love films with depth and challenge and those who love great acting will find a great deal in Wings of Fame to applaud and think about for a long time after it ends. I was grateful for the privilege of watching two great actors explore the nature of fame and its consequences.