The Wings of Eagles

Ford's formal talents are evident in this film--his use of shadow and light, of mise en scene, and the way the colors early in the film seem softer, almost idyllic and thus contrasting with the harsher, monotone hues of the later scenes. I also appreciate the use of documentary war footage, particularly in the climax. However, the overall story and characterizations seem confused, drifting, and set apart from Ford's technique. He did what he could with the script.

Good story but otherwise meh.

Like a boring Eastwood movie

An interesting life given a rather prosaic treatment. Wayne is very stiff as Wead, O'Hara is completely wasted, and Ford directs with almost complete detachment, which is odd given that Wead was supposedly his friend and drinking buddy. It starts okay with scenes emphasising Wead's machismo and devil-may-care attitude, but the rehab section drags, and the domestic drama is stale. It's technically accomplished, but that is the least one can expect from Ford, especially in 1957.

Moving, well acted and a tad too sentimental for my taste.

64.000

Visually stunning, but sort of dumb. You should see it, though, if only to hear the paralyzed Spig Wead (John Wayne) chant determinedly, "I'm gonna move that big toe! I'm gonna move that big toe! I'm gonna move that big toe!"

908

# 894