A Comparative Analysis: Ghosts in Solaris and Wings of Desire Films

This essay undertakes a comparative analysis of the films Solaris (2002) and Wings of Desire (1987), focusing on how each film employs the metaphor of the ghost to explore themes of memory, human psychology, and the supernatural. The essay examines Solaris as a science fiction psychodrama, where the 'ghost' manifests as a replication of loved ones, representing emotional attachment, longing, and the psychological impact of loss and isolation. Conversely, Wings of Desire is presented as a romantic fantasy, where angels act as observers and helpers of humans, with the 'ghost' representing a form of supernatural existence that connects with human experiences. The analysis highlights how both films, despite their differing genres and narrative structures, utilize the concept of the ghost to delve into the complexities of human experience, including the interplay of memory, emotion, and the desire for connection, offering unique perspectives on the nature of existence and the human condition. The essay aims to provide insights into the films' distinct approaches to the supernatural and their impact on the audience's understanding of these profound themes.

FILM MEMORY

Compare and analyse and how Solaris and Wings of Desire use the metaphor of the ghost to
explore the memory
Films are an effective measure to express emotions and visual graphics for the viewer to
attain entertainment, knowledge and understanding about the subject discussed. It is a successful
medium to represent different aspects of human mind, creativity and memory lane (Turim,
2013). It helps a viewer in attaining an in-depth and well developed understating about the issue.
Cine graphics and visuals are well developed means of expressing and analysing historic event,
emotion, subjective matter and era as well. Different film makers has developed some valuable
insights about some serious or common subjects to enhance and develop an effective
understanding for the same (Ramesh, 2013).
Films are the expression of collective, individual and unconscious memory. Developing
world and technological impact has helped the world in creating effective visual treats for the
audience at large (Nussbaum, 2013). A memorable film is the one which delivers entertainment,
knowledge and well developed and visuals for the audience. Well developed representations of
the film helps in creating an efficient collaboration of viewers interest, understanding and
appreciation of the subject all together. Different types of subjects are selected to represent the
art in an understandable manner (Butler, 2012). The industry has presented subjects regarding
history, fiction, despair, grief, fear, sorrow etc. through cinematography. This has helped artists
and writers in attaining fame and recognition for the work.
The present study will focus on analysing the films on a similar subject with vastly
different representation. It will evaluate different subject associated with the chosen topic and
will analyse every aspects of the same in order to attain subjective understanding of the
terminologies implemented. Every single aspects have developed a unique and in-depth
understanding of the subjects analysed in the films (Dillon, 2010). Present essay will compare
and contrast the subjectivity of the term ghost used in the films has a different perspective in the
given study. The films Solaris and Wings of Desires are developed on an entire different subject
yet they share a common perception of supernatural existence which may be related to the
terminology of ghost in a wide perspective. The study will analyse and different angles of the
study and will evaluate the perception of ghost used under the stated films (Wawrzyniak,
Bocchetta and Thorin, 2011).
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The term ghost represents a supernatural existence of a person who does not actually
exist or can be seen of heard by normal people. Different film has used the stated concepts to
represent fiction, belief or historic event as well (Grau, 2014). Ghost in cinemography has been
used to represent different perception such as evil power, fearful emotion, angle hallucination or
psychological condition. It has created an ineffective impact on the emotions and acceptance of
the concept by audience. Traditionally ghost terminology was linked with and horror genre
however developing conception and creative film making has developed unique conception of
the stated terminology (Goryl and et.al., 2011).
Solaris an American science fiction film was released in the year 2002. It was written
directed by Steven Sonderbergh. The film is based on the novel written in the same name by
Stanislaw Lem. The theme of the cinema revolves around psychodrama and science fiction
which has developed a wide impact on the viewers. The story is carried in an effective and well
developed manner where Solaris is a planet which orbits and the study of which is carried out by
the characters of the film (Wawrzyniak and et.al., 2012). The visual effects and story line was
effectively carried out by the director to maintain the interest of the viewers. The 99 minutes film
was rated average by the critics and was appraised for proving mystical issues to ponder upon by
the audience. The film made its way towards the list of top 10 Hollywood remakes in the year
2010.
Solaris is a sci-fi which reflects drama in an efficient manner. Dr Chris Kevin in the film
is a lead character who experiences unique flashbacks while understanding the unusual
phenomenon happening at Solaris planet. According to the plot Kevin, clinical psychologist
approach DBA, on request of his scientist friend Dr Gibarian who was experimenting and
analysing the activities at Solaris and found in unusual and unnatural as well. The film reveals
and interesting fact about the planet which reflects that none of the astronauts have returned from
the planet ever (Akmaykin and et.al., 2014). Kevin the lead actor accepts the mission and set off
for Solaris, a mysterious planet. The story then leads the film into a thrilling and interesting
journey of finding the fact about the planet.
The term ghost in the movie, unlike horror genres has been linked to the people the lead
character knows or loves. This presents a very different and unnatural image of ghost and
develops a different perception for the same in minds of viewers as well (Bocchetta and et.al.,
2012). The film proceeds to find Kevin into a mystical situation where he encounters his dead
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wife and was terrified to find her alive and with him on the planet. This section of the film
revealed the moments of love and fear for the viewer at one and the same time which developed
a unique perception on the audience. The film then trails towards the scientific explanation of the
appearance of dead (Moses, 2011). The concept was explained as replicas where a mysterious
appearance of loved ones of the crew members was observed in Solaris. In this part of the film
the effective direction and representation helped the audience to feel the presence of emotional
attachment and longing of the character for his wife who appeared in-front of him. The ghost
story and secretive story line developed keen interest for the viewers of Solaris. The
characteristics of ghost were effectively depicted in the movie as lack of emotional attachments,
and clear memory of time spent (Wierzbicki, 2012).
The part of the film reflects that Kevin started to meet his wife time and again and
developed an emotional bond all over again. These flashbacks however restricted Kevin from
successfully completing his mission on the planet. Gordan one of the serving crew member later
explained Kevin about the wrong impact of unwanted emotional bonding with a non human.
This revealed human sufferings and difference from the ghosts. The story successfully
represented ghosts as ones own near and dear ones who surrendered themselves to mortal life-
cycles (Nussbaum, 2013). Moreover, the power of distraction and reappearance through process
of replication was also effectively represented in the film.
The effort to escape from the planet represented the psychological drama for the story. In
addition to this the human craving to be with the loved ones reflected a scary aspect of human
psychology. The director of the film successfully represented the mental condition of a person
during the presence of ghosts (Wawrzyniak and et.al., 2012). Abandoning the escape plan from
Solaris for Kevin effectively reflected a psychodrama for the audience of the film. Moreover, the
reappearance of Kevin and his wife in their real home suppressed the thriller reflection of the
film by developing a belief that Kevin Triumphed Solaris trauma and escaped the planet
successfully however the scene where his wife cut her finger which later automatically repaired
revealed the supernatural existence which lead Kevin believes that he was trapped on the deadly
planet and was leading a life of replica. The manifestation of different situation revealed
different conditions of human mind and its and impact on human mind as well.
The term ghost in the film effectively reflected supernatural powers, lack of emotional
attachment and fade relevance of good memories (Wawrzyniak, Bocchetta and Thorin, 2011). In
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addition to this the film clearly developed an overpowering and negative image of the ghost for
the people. Hence, on the basis of overall analysis it can be effectively said that Solaris is a ghost
story, a love story, a psychological drama, and a philosophy lesson all at once.
Wings of Desire(1987) directed by Wim Wender is an enchanting fantasy portraying the
interconnectedness between human and supernatural existence. Synonymous with the “Film
Art”, it is the romantic tale about two guardian angels wondering over the city of Berlin and
providing help to the troubled, victims and people in distress (Yoon and et.al, 2010). With the
genius tapestry of sounds and images, Wim Wenders has brought transition in the era of film
from classical to modern films. Film was shot in both sepia toned, black and white and colour
differentiating the experiences of Angels and human. The romantic fantasy film is based on the
plot in which one of the angel decides to leave its mortality and experience the human sensory
pleasures after falling in love with an artist.
Wim Wonder's Film is about two immortal Angels Damiel and Cassiel who are living in
the city of Berlin from before the humankind exists. They are the witness of human evolution
and with the passage of time became their guardian (Kim, Song and Lee, 2011). The director has
potrayed the image of Ghost as a helper along with giving them supernatural effect through
showing their fleeting glances, their wandering on streets of Berlin and showing the significance
of place through metaphysical sounds.
In contrast, with the conventional looks of ghosts, they are portrayed with familiar looks
wearing overcoats (Lowrey and Ovonyx, 2010). Existing since the inception of Earth they are the
witness of all the activities took place at the city of Berlin seeing both the best and worst of the
mankind. They are immortals without any sensory to feel, touch, smell and have emotions. They
are visible to only their of a kind and children. Along with the witnesses they are the observer,
preserver and helper of to all the depressed and lonely people. Being invisible they help human
in different forms. The angels can not see colours, hence the film poetry is shot in both black &
white and colour to differentiate between the city of Berlin from the point of view of Angels and
human.
In this cinema's loveliest city symphonies, a beautiful interaction is shown between
Angels and human kind (My favourite city film is ... Wings of Desire, 2014). Travelling over the
horizons of city of Berlin, Angels are able to listen humans thoughts, observe their actions and
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analyse their life situations. Realising their needs, Angles provide comfort to the distressed and
troubled souls in the best possible ways by making their presence feel in small ways.
With the use of five extraordinary visual themes, Wim Wenders has given the film a
spectacular richness that are Angel eyes, Bearing witness, hues of love, A companion and
Symphony of place. Through different experiments, the film was made.
In modern fairy tale, one of the two Angel Damiel, has fallen in love with the mortal
Marion. The Angel has become tired of the lack of having the luxury to enjoy the simple
pleasures of human kind (Kilbourn, 2013). For him the city of Berlin is beautiful with black and
white but unreal. After being smitten by Marian and urge feeling and experience emerges in him.
He has bored with observing human before it was a city and being incapable of interacting with
others.
With the emergence of Film, it shows the new character Peter Folk who at present is the
fil maker. He caters to make film on the even occurred long centuries back that was about Nazi
period naming it the Berlin's Nazi past. In the later part it was known that he was an angel wha
has left his immortality after being tired of observing the mortals and the pleasures experienced
by them (Shang and et.al, 2011).
Inspired from the character Peter Folk, Damiel has found the way to fulfil his desire and
find his love Marion. For that the struggle of Damiel with the stages of development was shown
in the film. Wim Wenderer has shown the different hues of Love in the film. He has portrayed it
beautifully that I what manner an angel in-spite of being far away from the sensory of physical
experiences has the desire to feel the pain of Marion she is undergoing and helping her out from
that situation. In that respect he takes a strong and crucial decision (Sexson, 2014). The decision
to become human and leave immortality. There were many uncertainties associated with it that
are it is not sure that he will be able to find Marion or whether Marion will reciprocate him with
the same feeling in-spite of this great sacrifice done by him.
The transition of being an Angel and attaining mortal desires has been shown in the
genius manner by the director including all the small elements that are in physical aspects,
emotional tendency and in the perceptions he holds (Liu and et.al, 2011). The portraying of
picture was changed from black and white to the colour with the process of attainment of the
human life by the Damiel.
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The presentation of the tender shift in film has conquered the element of timelessness
with the slow shifts in colour and other aspects. Earlier, the shoot was done with the Ariel
camera now shifted its horizon to the grounds of city (Fry, 2012). And Damiel has started
experiencing the humanly pleasures such as a cup of coffee, cigarette, world full of colours,
interaction with the people who have never known them, tasting food and many others.
Eventually, after the long struggle he meets his love Marion (Wings of Desire. 2016). The
romantic tale ended with the beautiful climax shown by Win Wonderer in which they greet each
other and the film ends with the message “To be continued” which concluded in its sequel.
The analysis of both films has effectively helped in developing a unique image of ghosts
for the audience and the viewers as well. Solaris and Wings of Desires are the two different films
from different times. The former is a 21st century film while the later was released in the 20th
century. The concept of both the films shares a common aspect of supernatural existence. The
two films efficiently discussed and revealed a unique perception of ghosts through its story line.
Ghosts in Wings of Desires are the supernatural characters who lives in Berlin city with
people but cannot be seen, heard or felt by the people. They are there to deal with the human
issues and resolve them in an affective manner. The film reflected Ghosts (angles) as positive
characters who have the capability to help, love and feel. They are different from humans as they
are not visible to people. Solaris on the other hand represented ghosts as distracting, evil and
negative part of the story. The ghost in the story were not recognised by the humans as they were
the normal and known people. They looked and acted like normal people however lacked
emotional feeling mortality along with worldly attachments. These ghosts were scary and did not
help the lead character in the film. The representation of these supernatural people for the story
was as a element of thrill and fear. They appeared to movie characters as the elements of
distraction and fear.
Wings of Desires reflected the ghosts with capability to love and change for the
betterment. I addition the film drawn the viewer's attention towards their power of wisdom,
knowledge of past and future as well. These ghosts worked to help the mankind by showing
them the path of right and wrong and creating effective means of living for the people.
Moreover, the ghosts in the film has the power to change the minds of people but could not
directly communicate with them. They provide positive and effective message to lead a life.
Solaris on the other hand developed intense psychodrama by developing a mystical appearance
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of ghosts in the film. They were the elements of thrill and fear rather than positivity and wisdom.
They writer developed their character as mysterious who had the power to entice humans and
lead them away from the goal. Lack of emotional balance was a supportive character of the
ghosts. Moreover, the last part of the film clearly revealed that the appearance of the ghosts in
Solaris was so common that the lead character was unable to judge between real and artificiality
finally.
In addition to this the Wings of desire reflected that the ghosts had different
characteristics than that of humans. The film revolved around the ghosts thus an effective
attempt of the director was made to present the film from the perspective of ghosts. The black
and white seen successfully helped in revealing the same. On contrary to this Solaris presented
ghosts totally similar to human being. They have the power to talk, touch and communicate with
people as well. In addition, they were not the lead focus of the story thus they supported the story
line for the film.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
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Butler, J., 2012. Subjects of desire: Hegelian reflections in twentieth-century France. Columbia
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Dillon, S., 2010. The Solaris effect: art and artifice in contemporary American film. University
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Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire). Journal of Religion & Film. 15(2). pp.2.
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Grau, C., 2014. Love, Loss, and Identity in Solaris.
Kilbourn, R.J., 2013. Cinema, memory, modernity: the representation of memory from the art
film to transnational cinema (Vol. 6). Routledge.
Kim, S.J., Song, J.M. and Lee, J.S., 2011. Transparent organic thin-film transistors and
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Moses, M.V., 2011. Solaris, Cinema, and Simulacra. The Philosophy of Steven Soderbergh.
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Nussbaum, M.C., 2013. The therapy of desire: Theory and practice in Hellenistic ethics.
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Ramesh, R. ed., 2013. Thin film ferroelectric materials and devices (Vol. 3). Springer Science &
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My favourite city film is ... Wings of Desire. 2014. [Online]. Available
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wings-of-desire>. [Accessed on18th April 2016].
Sexson, M., 2014. The Storyteller and Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire. [Online]. Available
through:<http://thecresset.org/FilmArchive/1993/Sexson_March%201993.html>.
[Accessed on18th April 2016].
Wings of Desire. 2016. [Online]. Available through:<https://www.criterion.com/films/200-
wings-of-desire>. [Accessed on18th April 2016].
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