Paris, Texas (1984)

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

I first saw Paris, Texas in a college film course back in '93, and have a been a fan ever since. What a sublime & moving experience; it was especially interesting how a German director could make such a quintessentially American film. Though there isn't much dialogue, the story is compelling & the landscapes are incredible. This is definitely my top Wenders film.

I watched the Criterion BD for the first time a while back, and was floored - incredibly sharp picture, especially the open landscapes in the beginning. It was like seeing the film for the first time. The colors are amazing, as is the case with many great Blu's: Travis' red baseball hat really stands out as he trudges through the desert; NK's red sweater in the club/window scene is very vivid. Also, the green light in the empty parking lot is very pronounced

[Show spoiler](as Travis looks up at the hotel room window where Jane & Hunter are reunited).

I also liked how the film showed the diversity of the American landscapes: The wide open TX spaces/blue sky & the desolate tan Mojave desert; the urban, neon-lit landscape of L.A; the concrete canyons of Houston; the various paintings/graffiti on the buildings in L.A. & Houston.

[Show spoiler]The last scenes of Travis sadly driving away down the night highway while the Ry Cooder score played is one of favorite film endings of all time.