Paris, Texas | Wim Wenders, 1984

A few days ago I watched Paris, Texas for the second time in my life. It is interesting to me years ago when i first watched this I admittedly was bored to sleep by the melancholica nature of the movie itself. This movie feels at times that it is aimlessly wandering as much a the protagonist. However, rewatching this film i believe that is it's strength and what makes it so gripping.

Original digital artwork from Logan Kern of Panic Studios - 8/10/26

If I could boil this experience down to one word it would be authenticity. At times, it feels less like you're watching a movie, and more like you're a fly on the wall to a real-life scenario that shakes this family's foundation to it's core. The performances here feel less like acting and more drawn from a real life experience. The innocent moments of subtle comedy blended together with the mystery of the film keeps you engaged in the plot both out of empathy and concern.

Another thing that kept me engaged with the story the entire time is the canvas this plot is painted on. MY GOD. Every single shot deserves to be printed and hung in it's own museum. As grounded as the story is, it almost feels as if it's taking place on the backdrop of a surrealist painting.The blend of vibrant neon lights against the desert sky at night crescendo into the raw emotion of the movie. The gritty and hauntingly lit interiors of nearly vacant towns feel grimy and other-worldly simultaneously. The interesting angles that appear throughout the entirety of the film provide the same sense of loneliness that our main character is enduring. I found the most enjoyment watching this film nerding out each time a cool shot appeared on screen.

I also love the way this film tests you as we come to know Travis and how he fits into the lives of the people he once left behind. The questions the journey leaves you with will have you thinking about this experience for time to come. I now understand why people enjoy this movie so much - in a way I wasn't privy to on the first time I pressed play. I can't wait to talk to others about different aspects of this movie including the lonely and winding score that sets the scene perfectly for each scenario. I really have nothing but good things to say about this movie despite some awkward moments in the pacing. Even the child actor in this movie does such a great job at just being a kid connecting with his father for the first time!

Anyway, i could ramble about the thing all day but the point here is that you should at some point in your life experience this movie. It is free to watch on so many platforms and it is a classic that should not be missed. This movie is far ahead of it's time and lends itself to infinite rewatches based solely off of the performances and the aesthetics themselves. This is a movie i need a physical copy of for my shelf at home. I am rating this movie a 4.5 stars out of 5 on letterboxd.

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