Paris, Texas (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

There aren't many films that I'd consider to be idling near perfection, but I would say that about Paris, Texas. In fact, I would call this the best film of the 80s. And yes, I know that's saying a lot considering the movies that were released during that decade. A fantastic score by Ry Cooder, the unparalleled cinematography of Robby Muller, a heart wrenching script by the late-great Sam Shephard, and a beautifully understated performance by the late, legendary Harry Dean Stanton - all pulled together seamlessly by director Wim Wenders- makes this a movie to remember. Even the landscape of the the American southwest and southern California seem to come to life on screen.The story follows Travis, a man who once had a family but then disappeared into the desert, as he reemerges years later and decides to right some of the wrongs he's responsible for. To say any more than that would spoil what are some of the most emotionally resonating moments ever put to film. Especially the dialogues between Harry Dean Stanton and Nastassja Kinski.Please see this film.

I have always loved this movie since I first saw it in the early 90’s. Harry Dean Stanton is so good , as is really, the whole cast. In my opinion, this is probably Wim Wenders’ best movie, and he has made many great movies.

Paris, Texas (1984)Drama, 147 minutesDirected by Wim WendersStarring Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski and Dean StockwellThe first thing to mention about Paris, Texas is how quickly the opening scene establishes a mood. We are shown sweeping shots of a desert to the sound of Ry Cooder's haunting guitar. A man who we will later know as Travis (Stanton) comes into view. He looks like he's been wandering for days. He's wearing a red cap and jeans and his beard looks several weeks old. He wanders into an isolated bar and collapses.A local clinic tends to his injuries and contacts his brother, Walt (Stockwell), who flies from Los Angeles to collect him. It's been four years since the two last met and Walt had wondered whether Travis was still alive. Travis doesn't speak during this meeting and Walt has to show extreme patience while he waits for Travis to begin explaining what happened. In a sense, the audience is in the same situation. For almost 30 minutes, the film plays out like a total mystery.Walt wants to fly Travis home because he took in his child as his own when Travis disappeared. Travis insists that they drive, and on using the same rental car Walt drove when he picked him up. We learn that Travis has bought some land in Paris, Texas, but he can't remember why. It's clear that Travis has been through a traumatic experience and has attempted to block out those memories.Travis makes two important decisions during the story:The first could spawn all manner of debate about whether it is right or wrong. His mental health is in question, and yet he makes a decision that could drastically alter someone's life; or perhaps the lives of several people. You'll have to decide for yourself whether his actions were justified.The second decision comes as a result of a meeting with a person who used to be important in his life. In the final 25 minutes of the film, we are shown a very unusual conversation. It's tense, emotional, brave, heartbreaking and elegant all at once. It's this conversation which elevates the film to the level of greatness. The ending is almost impossible to predict early in the film, and that's something I find refreshing. Here's a film with an idea and it's perfectly executed.Harry Dean Stanton has played so many colorful characters over the years, but Paris, Texas gives him his most significant role. He gives Travis depth and the film wouldn't work without him. His appearance and haunted expression fit the character and his performance is quiet, but powerful.Nastassja Kinski's performance as Jane is a revelation. Watch the subtle emotions on her face and hear how expressive her voice can be as she responds to Stanton's monologue. I'm also impressed by Hunter Carson's realistic portrayal of a young boy.It's always interesting to see things from a different viewpoint and Wim Wenders shows us how he views America. The screenplay and Ry Cooder's score work together well. This is the kind of film that seems timeless. It's a human story set in a world so large that its characters are in danger of becoming lost, but they somehow find their way.I had to make a choice of my own in this review. Should I give away the whole story so that I could discuss some of the best scenes, or should I say just enough to set the mood? I hope that I have said enough to make you interested in seeing the film. If you do, maybe you'll understand why I withheld so much information.

Blu-Ray looks amazing and the Criterion Collection continues having exceptional extras.

Great moving drama

So much to unwrap with this film. Very unique in style and story. I had seen it long ago, and I find it still holds up. Absolutely deserved a place in my movie collection. Good cast. Good story. Good direction. If you enjoy cerebral films, this is a winner.

This is a really great price for this DVD. It shipped very quickly. Going to give it as a gift.

Wim Wenders brings Sam Sheperd's story of lost, damaged souls to mesmerizing life. A homeless and amnesiac Travis Henderson (Harry Dean Stanton) stumbles out of the desert and collapses. A local doctor examines Travis, calls a number he finds in the drifter's wallet. The number belongs to Travis' brother, Walt (Dean Stockwell). We learn from Walt that Travis has been missing for four years, during which time Walt and his wife Anne have been raising Travis' son, Hunter (Hunter Carson). Reunited with Hunter, Travis slowly emerges from his mental fog and attempts to connect with Hunter, who barely remembers him. Hunter better remembers his absent mother Jane (Nasstassja Kinski). The film then turns toward the mystery of what happened to Jane and what it has to do with Travis' strange disappearance, four years' earlier. Wenders' spins this story to Ry Cooder's scratching, haunting acoustic guitar riffs, against shimmering desert scenes. This is an unforgettable film about loneliness, regret, anomie, and the search for forgiveness.