Project 1 Reference – Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire)

Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire) directed by Wim Wenders, the sound design of this film also involved the shaping of two different worlds, and the effect of his vocal treatment was very close to what I wanted.

The vocals reference the feel of the narrator, who writes and reads as he writes letters at the film’s beginning.

Damiel and Cassiel are angels guarding Berlin, and the angels’ daily task is to watch and listen to the city’s people. The world, as seen by the angels, is black and white, so the film’s first half is primarily black and white. The sound of the toned black-and-white world is not as rich as that of the colour world, mainly to highlight the human voice, as the angel needs to listen to the human heart.

When Damiel gives up his angelic identity to become a mortal for love, the world as he sees it becomes coloured, and the sound levels become more prosperous and full of life.

Contrast the sounds of two worlds. In the same scene, in the coloured world, we can hear the distinct sound of the wind, the sound of cars, the sound of the Damiel’s footsteps, and even the sound of things shifting on him as he runs. All in all, more prosperous and full of life.