Paris, Texas- 1984 (Wim Wenders)

[zorbonaut]

This Film was on my must see list for the last 10-15 years but much like many on that list I had not got around to seeing it until a few days ago.

This film was a subtle/understated little masterpiece that I now rank as one of my favorite films of all-time.

It reminds me of the Mark Romanek film, One Hour Photo. Not so much in terms of plot as they are very different plots for sure but more so in the approach the filmmaker took in how they present sadness, isolation, and loneliness.

Anyone else enjoy this film from 20+ years ago? Let's discuss the good and the bad about the film.

[Foggy]

Honestly fell in love with this film when I watched it for the first time earlier in the year. There's so much humility in those scenes in the call rooms, you feel all the distance between those characters despite how close they are, the pain they share, the history dug up, they are entwined in the cosmos yet only so fleeting in their lives.

I picked up Wings of Desire quite cheap the other day, I'm looking forward to seeing that.

[zorbonaut]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Honestly fell in love with this film when I watched it for the first time earlier in the year. There's so much humility in those scenes in the call rooms, you feel all the distance between those characters despite how close they are, the pain they share, the history dug up, they are entwined in the cosmos yet only so fleeting in their lives.

I picked up Wings of Desire quite cheap the other day, I'm looking forward to seeing that.

Wings of Desire is actually next on my list too as well as The American Friend by Wim.

Agreed- the call room scenes were so powerful and illustrated well with the physical separation of glass/plastic.

Sometimes you see the first few minutes of a film and just know that you are in for a treat. As we see Travis in the desert wearing a suit and just wandering; I knew that I was beginning to experience a fascinating film.

[BleedOrange11]

I loved Paris, Texas. So beautiful and emotional. Even the extended monologues were captivating.

[Scottie]

Wim Wenders has slowly become one of my favorite directors and I really cannot wait to delve deeper into his catalog with The Road Trilogy and whatever other films Criterion decides to release on Blu-ray.

Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire are two of the greatest cinematic works ever made. I absolutely adore their explorations of a yearning for the past. The latter film, in particular, alludes to Germany pre-Berlin Wall, a subject I have always been fascinated by.

The American Friend is excellent and perhaps the best adaptation of a Tom Ripley novel. Hopper and Ganz deliver two strong performances. Also, the cinematography and color usage are equally impressive.

I've also seen Wenders' documentary, Pina. I definitely enjoyed it for its ability to transform and capture the moods of Bausch's plays. As a whole, though, it felt a bit too lengthy at times.

[Ultra_Violence]

Robby Muller's cinematography is outstanding. Worth seeing for that alone. Even though you also get Harry Dean Stanton and superb direction from Wenders too.

[ZeTi]

I love the Father / Son chemistry. One of those rare perfect movies.

[asabreed]

In my Top Five of all time. Easily.

It's perfection.

[zorbonaut]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Wim Wenders has slowly become one of my favorite directors and I really cannot wait to delve deeper into his catalog with The Road Trilogy and whatever other films Criterion decides to release on Blu-ray.

Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire are two of the greatest cinematic works ever made. I absolutely adore their explorations of a yearning for the past. The latter film, in particular, alludes to Germany pre-Berlin Wall, a subject I have always been fascinated by.

The American Friend is excellent and perhaps the best adaptation of a Tom Ripley novel. Hopper and Ganz deliver two strong performances. Also, the cinematography and color usage are equally impressive.

I've also seen Wenders' documentary, Pina. I definitely enjoyed it for its ability to transform and capture the moods of Bausch's plays. As a whole, though, it felt a bit too lengthy at times.

I'm even more excited to see Wings of Desire now.


I heard that The American Friend is a loose adapation of two Highsmith books. Either way, can't wait to dig into that title as well.

[LuckyDragon]

Originally Posted by zorbonaut

I heard that The American Friend is a loose adapation of two Highsmith books. Either way, can't wait to dig into that title as well.

Mostly based on Ripley's Game, but also a bit of Ripley Under Ground.

How faithful it is to the books depends on how you look at it. It's a bit like Blade Runner or Apocalypse Now, not very faithful in the details but extremely faithful in spirit.

It's easily my favorite Ripley adaptation and my favorite Wenders film.

I still need to see more Wenders, though: Wings of Desire and Paris, Texas are the only others I've bothered with. I'm considering picking up the Road Trilogy when Criterion releases it. Maybe on the next Barnes & Noble 50% Off sale, I'll grab it along with Wings and Paris.