Paris, Texas

About Paris, Texas

In this critically acclaimed 1984 movie, a man walks out of the desert after four years and returns to society. Suffering an apparent total amnesia, this lone wanderer is taken by his brother to recover, reconnect, and piece together the fragments of his mysterious life. Unfolding throughout the movie is a harrowing yet poignant story of fatherhood, memories, and reconciliation captured through Wim Wenders’ lens.

Making / Production

Directed by German filmmaker Wim Wenders, the film was written by L.M. Kit Carson and the renowned playwright Sam Shepard. Known for its stunning cinematography and poignant narrative, the production took extraordinary lengths to capture the beautiful desolation of the Texas desert. Wender's precise and impactful visual language turns the American southwest into a third character in the film.

Actors

• Harry Dean Stanton as Travis Henderson: A man struggling with amnesia and a damaged past, Stanton's impeccable performance exhibits a heart-wrenching vulnerability.
• Nastassja Kinski as Jane Henderson: Playing Travis’s estranged wife, Kinski delivers an engaging performance that elicits empathy.
• Dean Stockwell as Walt Henderson: Travis' brother who tries to reunite the family, Stockwell infused the character with a realism that heightens the film's emotional depth.
• Hunter Carson as Hunter Henderson: Carson powerfully portrays Travis’s son, bringing innocence and natural honesty to the screen.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Paris, Texas" does not refer to Paris, France, or Texas, but to a small town in Texas named Paris. The film resonates with this feeling of displacement and homesickness.
• Director Wim Wenders had a habit of not using a detailed script. Many of the movie's most powerful scenes were improvised.
• The film was initially going to be called "Pain", reflecting the emotional anguish that the characters experience.

Awards

Paris, Texas garnered significant recognition and won several prestigious awards, including the Palme d'Or at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Direction.

Quotes

• "I wanted to see him so bad that I didn't even dare imagine him anymore."
• "I knew these people. These two people. They were in love with each other."
• "I'm not afraid of heights. I'm afraid of fallin'."

Music, Soundtrack

• Nominated for a BAFTA for Best Score, the soundtrack of Paris, Texas is a standout. The iconic music was composed by Ry Cooder, and it features a distinctive slide-guitar score.
• Tracks like "Paris, Texas," "I Knew These People," and "Dark Was the Night" continue to resonate with viewers, adding to the atmospheric storytelling of the film.