Paris, Texas

A classic road movie about masculinity and the American family

In Paris, Texas, director Wim Wenders blends his European gaze with the grandeur of the American Southwest. The screenplay is by Pulitzer Prize winner Sam Shepard. The film follows the mysterious loner Travis (Harry Dean Stanton), who is found in the Texan desert by his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell) after a four-year absence. From this simple premise, Wenders and Shepard paint a poignant look at the unwritten codes of masculinity and the myth of the American family.

Visual masterpiece by Dutch cinematographer Robby Müller

The imagery of Paris, Texas is the work of Dutch master cinematographer Robby Müller. His idiosyncratic lens reveals a vast, crumbling world of canyons and neon. Superimposed on this lies the now-iconic score by Ry Cooder, which amplifies the sense of alienation and nostalgia. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1984.

Story of recovery: Travis, his son, and his missing wife

Reluctantly, Travis returns to Los Angeles, where his 7-year-old son Hunter is waiting for him at Walt and his wife Anne (Aurore Clément). Slowly, Travis rediscovers his role as a father. Meanwhile, he searches for his missing wife and Hunter's mother, Jane (Nastassja Kinski). The film is now showing in a sharp 4K restoration. Are you interested? Use the link for tickets.