In Wim Wenders’ haunting WINGS OF DESIRE, an angel (Ganz) fated to silently observe the living becomes enamored with a lonely trapeze artist (Dommartin) and allows himself to fall to Earth simply to be able to approach her.

In Barbie, Gerwig borrowed from Wenders’ narrative structure: “Barbie becomes a figurative angel coming down from heaven to comment on the state of humanity, in all of its beauty and ugliness.”

Staff Pick

“Wings of Desire is a much loved film for its philosophical themes, beautiful cinematography, and Peter Falk. So if anyone is like me and still hasn’t seen it, here’s your chance on 35mm!” – Markelle