Wings (1927) Review

Title: Wings
Year: 1927
Director: William Wellmann
Country: US
Language: English

On May 11th, 1927 MGM studio head Louis B.Mayer hosted a dinner,  where he invited 36 prominent industry figures to discuss the creation of an organization that could address concerns related to cinema. During the dinner the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was proposed. The first Academy Awards took place two years later, with Wings being the first film to win the coveted "Best Picture" Oscar. 

Two young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman (Clara Bow) , become fighter pilots in World War I.

Wings was a pioneer in action cinematography. For the film, cameras were rigged to the plane and strapped to the engine cowling. These cameras were far more compact and versatile than the more commonly used ones. Thirteen cameramen were used to create the pictures' imaginative and awe-inspiring shots. 

Wings is quite a spectacle, an epic in its scope. The director used 60 planes and 3,500 extras - all of whom were real soldiers.  Massive acres of land were allowed to be used - plenty of room for the real airplane crashes & real bombs to be set off. 

The cast had no prior flight experience, but were required to learn how to become pilots for this film. They also had to act, roll the camera and communicate with ground personnel while flying.  It was an incredibly dangerous set that proves just how much dedication everyone involved had to their craft. 

The script has more to be desired; the romantic triangle aspect meanders a little bit. The bubble scene goes on for a bit too long. A shorter run-time would have improved this film. It's a fine film overall that deserves a viewing due to its technical importance in cinematic history.