City of Angels
City of Angels
(1998)
A Review by Grant Kanigan
Directed by: Brad Silberling
Written by: Dana Stevens, based on Wim Wenders,
Peter Handke & Richard Reitinger's
"Wings of Desire"
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Meg Ryan, Denniz Franz
Rating: PG
Release Date: April 10th 1998
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| Nicolas Cage & Meg Ryan in City of Angels |
Brad Siberling's film, based on Wim Wender's 1988 German-language film Wings of Desire, follows the inquisitive, intellectual and solemn Seth, (Nicolas Cage). Existing as a barrier between life and the afterlife, required to ease the pain of death, Seth is an angel. Invisible to the general public, he spends his days looking over a variety of Angelinos and observing their culture. As an angel, Seth cannot taste, feel the touch of another person, or experience all that much on a personal level. The only enjoyment Seth gets out of his existence is living vicariously through others; for example, when he asks "what's [a pear] like? What's it taste like? Describe it like Hemingway" and lovingly smiles when he's told "sweet, juicy, soft on your tongue, grainy like a sugary sand that dissolves in your mouth."
It's this keen attention to detail and interest in the most banal seeming moments that define Seth as something more than angelic. Through either divine intervention or chance, Dr. Maggie Rice, (Meg Ryan), is able to see Seth, rocking his world. Humans aren't supposed to be able to see Angels, so what makes Rice so different? With a desire to connect more with humans, Seth follows the mystery to its end, and discovers the true meaning of love and loss.
It's easy to tear apart a film so earnest and well meaning as City of Angels; of course angels aren't real. I've never been a religious man, and simply believe in the merits of empirical science. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate poetry or art inspired by the divine. Dante Alighieri and John Milton were inspired to write their religious masterworks, (The Divine Comedy and Paradise Lost, respectively), by their faith in God, and their work continues to be some of the most respected, read and enjoyed literature to this day. Reading the english translation of Alighieri's 460 year old masterpiece is one of my most enjoyable hobbies. While City of Angels has nowhere near the grandiosity or lasting power of the aforementioned classics, it's earnestness and poetically infused philosophy is just as impactful. As well, it's religious leanings are used as more of a metaphor than as a religious sermon, and add impact to the fantastical elements of the film.
The fantastical elements of the film; the angels, the life and death decisions and the poetry of love are extremely difficult to portray without coming off as insensitive, false, or just straight up cheesy. It's a testament to Nicolas Cage and the supporting cast that City of Angels works so well. Cage's earnest interest in just about everything is compelling, and his subtle performance completely sells it. Fresh off of his well deserved Oscar for the heartbreaking Leaving Las Vegas, City of Angels was the first return to drama for Cage, and showcases one of the best performances of his career. It's a shame financial woes have forced Cage into whatever work comes his way, because he's one of the finest actors of his generation. Ryan, playing a more subdued role than usual, does some of her best work. She's not a great actor, but she's absolutely perfect for this role. As well, the underrated Dennis Franz and Andre Braugher fill out the supporting roles magnificently.
Overall, City of Angels is a melancholy, heartbreaking and effective drama. To truly experience humanity, Seth has to understand that it's not all roses; love and relationships don't last forever, just like life - but in the small moments where we find true love - the feeling is worth an eternity.
Grant's Rating: 4.5/5
Nicholas Cage & Meg Ryan in City of Angels "What's a pear taste like?"
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