International Film Comparison 1

International Film Comparison

Florida International University

International Film Comparison 2

Abstract

The Seventh Seal and Wings of Desire​ are films that even though they are very different

in the plot they use some of the same methods to catch the audience’s attention. Both Bergman

and Wenders take advantage of the camera angle by focusing on background and hinting at its

effects. Music and sounds help grown the mood of the films. And in both films, religion is used

to connect to the audience.

The Seventh Seal and Wings of Desire​ are both focus on using camera angle with

long-distance scenes to bring the audience attention to its setting and background (Prince, 2014,

p15). Both Bergman and Wenders implement this strategy in their first scene to tell a back story

about the location and the situations the characters are in. In Wings of Desire when it shows the
International Film Comparison 3

city it shows from a top angle symbolizing the angel’s viewpoint together with the music it gives

a sadden mood.

In ​Wings of Desire the ​implements an angle simple that can be seen as a protector giving

the advance a religious aspect to the film. The idea of someone watching over the city and

everyone along with it gives a romantic tone to the underlining of the film. The hope that there is

a greater being/ greater power looking over them. Which is well represented with the image of a

man with white wings looking over the city. ​The Seventh Seal also uses ​a religious aspect to it

showing the cross and church. This helps the audience identify with the film and time period of

it. By using this method the director tethers deepen the audience connection with Antonius and

his past coming back from the plague.

The sound of the films also helps with the effects. Like the ambient sounds of the angle

being able to hear the people’s thoughts (Prince, 2014, p184). Tethering giving the angel an

all-powerful aspect to it without needing to actually tell the audience. This is a brilliant show of

effects and sounds by Wenders. Bergman also uses this when death appears but in a different. He

uses no sound and makes death all black to show its deathliness and power. The sudden change

in sound and view tells the audience that its a significant aspect of him.
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References

Prince, S. (2014). Movies and meaning: An introduction to film. Harlow, Essex: Pearson.

Bradshaw, P. (2007, July 20). The Seventh Seal. Retrieved from

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/jul/20/worldcinema.dram