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Author: wazroth

Jan 1st 2014 at 7:15:58 AM

For most of the cited examples, I think number 2 definitely holds. Although there are undoubtedly mortals in [=WoD=] who sport overcoats, there is a particular "look" centering on the overcoat that the angels are shown to have. I found an interview with the film's DP that basically said, "instead of wings, overcoats". Of course, there are other aspects in common that the angels have (ponytails, cashmere scarves), but the overcoats are the most notable, and seems like the aspect that has spread the most.

Even in cases like Dogma, where the concept is played with, the angles are all wearing distinctive outerwear in addition to the hoodie.

I think what clinches it is that in the noted cases, the angels are always depicted as wearing the overcoats, and seldom if ever remove them. Whether they're indoors, outdoors, summer, winter, on a rooftop, underground, kicking the crap out of each other, etc.

I'm not sure how to interpret question 4. Are you asking whether angels are also depicted not wearing overcoats alongside overcoated ones?

I'm looking for any evidence pre-Wings of Desire overcoated angels. So far nothing that really seems to clinch it. The only thing I've found is the example from Wonderful Life, which I've added to the list for amusement but which fails your test on #2 for sure.