Paris, Texas (1984)

[Mandalorian]

I saw this for the first time last week, and loved it. I struggled to get into it at times, even towards the end, because characters are dropped from the story when they are no longer 'needed', and sometimes it jumps from one point to another, when I would've liked to see the in-betweens. But, even so, there's an underlying honesty to it all that I just found to be beautiful, and I can see myself enjoying it more on a rewatch down the line. I also had some issues with the transfer, but nothing egregious.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

I saw this for the first time last week, and loved it. I struggled to get into it at times, even towards the end, because characters are dropped from the story when they are no longer 'needed', and sometimes it jumps from one point to another, when I would've liked to see the in-betweens. But, even so, there's an underlying honesty to it all that I just found to be beautiful, and I can see myself enjoying it more on a rewatch down the line. I also had some issues with the transfer, but nothing egregious.

My initial viewing left me indifferent toward the film. However, since re-watching it several times, it is now one of the greatest of the greatest films I have ever seen.

[Darth Marcus]

Each time I watch this film

[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.

[Ray Jackson]

Reactions to Vim Venders films are perplexing to me.

There are people here who think Paris, Texas is one of the greatest films ever made, but The Road Trilogy does nothing for them and vice versa.

Personally I'm in the second camp.

Paris didn't do much for me, but I fell in love with all three films of the trilogy.

Except for a shockingly graphic and repugnant scene in King of The Road.

...I had trouble eating for several days after that one.

[cicada88]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Reactions to Vim Venders films are perplexing to me.

There are people here who think Paris, Texas is one of the greatest films ever made, but The Road Trilogy does nothing for them and vice versa.

Personally I'm in the second camp.

Paris didn't do much for me, but I fell in love with all three films of the trilogy.

Except for a shockingly graphic and repugnant scene in King of The Road.

...I had trouble eating for several days after that one.

I will trade you another copy of the Badlands CC for Paris, Texas

[zorbonaut]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Reactions to Vim Venders films are perplexing to me.

There are people here who think Paris, Texas is one of the greatest films ever made, but The Road Trilogy does nothing for them and vice versa.

Personally I'm in the second camp.

Paris didn't do much for me, but I fell in love with all three films of the trilogy.

Except for a shockingly graphic and repugnant scene in King of The Road.

...I had trouble eating for several days after that one.

I haven't seen the Road Trilogy yet and have been putting it off for some reason. I'm worried that I will be disappointed after my love for Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire. I also really like The American Friend.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by zorbonaut

I haven't seen the Road Trilogy yet and have been putting it off for some reason. I'm worried that I will be disappointed after my love for Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire. I also really like The American Friend.

Unfortunately that appears to be a legitimate possibility.

Loving those two films does not guarantee you will love The Road Trilogy.

...but it does justify a blind buy imo.