CinefanR 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.

firthnluv I saw this film a few months ago and loved it so much that I purchased it. The story is very captivating. The idea that there is an afterlife set up based on the level of fame that you have achieved on earth is intriguing. One was rich and famous on earth but the fame died quickly once dead. The other had no fame but what he attained through killing the famous man. However, he seemed to learn the most from the incident and the aftermath. We were given no knowledge of what happened to the average person, really, except a glimpse of souls floating in the seas of purgatory. Is that the fate that awaits those that accomplish nothing in life? Excellent film to begin to explore the concept. Really believe it should be re-released in todays society...perhaps we have evolved enough to understand it or at least give it some thought.

darkteilani *SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!!*What a brilliant idea for a plot! An afterlife-resort just for famous people? No matter how the fame was gained? Fascinating!!It really reminds me in many ways on Jean Paul Sartre's "Huis clos". You cannot quite decide whether it's Heaven or Hell. It all depends on the celebrities and what they do to each other. The worst thing for those famous souls isn't death but to vanish into oblivion.Peter O'Toole plays Cesar Valentin, an actor on the height of his fame. He is frantic that his stardom will soon be over but he manages to gain new attention as he writes a bestselling book.Colin Firth is Brian Smith, a nobody, who seems to stalk the famous actor. He is constantly on Valentin's toes and tries to get his attention. At a filmfestival where the actor continues to ignore him, Brian spontaneously grabs a pistol from a security officer and shoots Valentin. Directly after that he himself is killed by accident. And here the real story starts......Both end up on this island for dead celebrities. Brian's fame results from his murdering the famous actor. So both fates are intertwined in the afterlife and the quality of their accommodation and the service of the Hotel rises and falls with their fame.It's amazing how the famous actor and the nobody cope with that.Valentin tries to figure out why he was shot. The dialogues between him and Brian are most fun to watch! Brian is playing games with him, enjoying every moment. He couldn't care less that eventually he will fall into oblivion since he never was famous by own accomplishments.This story is about vanity, self-knowledge, evolving above yourself or selling yourself for something as transient as fame. The conclusion is unexpected and as fascinating as the story throughout! O'Toole and Firth are both uniquely brilliant in their performance. But Colin Firth is the one who made my day! Desperate, mad, curious, cunning, caring, loving and forgiving. He does all that so convincingly and endearingly, it really took my breath away!This is a real treat! 10 of 10 by all means!

beautyfullooser 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!!!!