Review of Wings (1966) by Chris G — 08 Feb 2011
Someone else called this film a timeless triumph of the silent screen and they weren't kidding. I saw a DVD version with Gaylord Carter (then in his 80s) playing the Hollywood Wurlitzer as accompaniment.
I am gobsmacked at the stamina that would have been required for the organist to play an improvised piece for 2.5 hours on 5 manuals, with themes for each of the characters and moods, 3 performances per day.
Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in Sunset Bvd. said, "We didn't need dialogue. We had faces!" and after watching this film I understand what she meant. Aside from a few Chaplins I hadn't watched any silent movies before this and was wondering how I was going to like it.
Clara Bow, Buddy Rogers and Richard Arlen didn't need dialogue either. They could tell the story with a quirk of the mouth, an arching of the brows or a hand gesture. But it is in the battle scenes that this movie excels.
They capture the chaos and horror of trench warfare as well or better than any film since. And don't get me started on the dogfight footage. Take the chance to see this film. It is important.
This review of Wings (1966) was written by Chris G on 08 Feb 2011.
Wings has generally received positive reviews.
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