Winner of the Palme D’Or at Cannes in 1984, Paris Texas follows a lonesome amnesiac drifter traversing the vast Texas desert.
Though first appearing to be mute, it’s discovered that he’s Travis Henderson, a man who has been missing for four years, and who longs to reconnect with his now-estranged family.
Alongside his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell, Blue Velvet), Travis sets out on an emotionally resonant journey to reconcile his former life and reunite with his long-lost family, including his now seven-year-old son.
This atmospheric, staggeringly affecting classic is a profoundly moving artistic partnership between the supreme filmmaking talent of Wim Wenders and the marvel of Harry Dean Stanton’s perfectly judged, expertly understated lead performance.
A mature exploration of familial bonds & second chances, as well as acting as a poetic portrait of America, Paris, Texas has rightfully earned its status as a 20th century masterpiece – not least thanks to Sam Shephard’s skilfully restrained script, which builds in deeply felt emotional intensity, and the evocative soundscape of Ry Cooder’s majestic score.