As part of our ongoing effort to eventually screen every Harry Dean Stanton film between the years 1971 and 1999, Neon Dreams is ringing in the new year with Wim Wenders' undisputed masterpiece: Paris, Texas.
With a script from Sam Shepherd (Zabriskie Point) and L.M. Kit Carson (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), Paris, Texas is a lyrical neo-western that opens on Stanton's Travis Henderson silently wandering through the desert while sporting an ironic tattered suit and red baseball cap. As the film expands, more is revealed about Travis and the mysteries that surround him through performance and deliberately paced reveals rather than exposition. Shot by legendary cinematographer and "master of light" Robby Müller (Repo Man, To Live And Die In L.A.), who captures the stunning vistas and neon lights of America's lost and found while pumping life and humanity into the stillest of images. There is a strong case to be made here for this being the most beautifully photographed film ever made.
Co-starring Natasha Kinski and Dean Stockwell, Paris, Texas offsets its sad story by stacking it with humour and empathy and endless surprises. If you're looking for a way to combat the January blues, this film will wrap itself around you like a warm blanket. And it goes without saying—this must be experienced on the big screen.
This screening and others are made possible thanks to our wonderful sponsor Hollywood Suite.