Wings of Desire

So for our latest History and Context of Journalism module, we were shown the German film 'Wings of Desire', an existentialist film based around passion, desire and achievement. The basic premise of the film is based around two angels, non-corporeal beings who watch over Berlin in the late 1980's. Both are disenfranchised with their existence and long to be human.

The main character, Damiel, is the one who yearns for humanity the most. After meeting a young trapeze artist named Marion (played by the late Solveig Dommartin, who looks eerily like Cate Blanchett), Damiel becomes infatuated with her. It's his desire for humanity and for her that results in him becoming human.

These themes of passion and desire are key elements to existentialism. Existentialists believe that to get something, you only needs to desire it enough. This is apparent in Wings of Desire, where Damiel's desires come true. True romantic love is also a key theme of both existentialism and of the film, with Marion and Damiel truly in love, even though they don't really know each other.

It's a good film and well worth a watch, even though it may be a bit confusing and long winded. Definitely worth seeing if you want to find out more about existentialism.