Paris, Texas (1984)

This unconventional road movie is based on a script by Pulitzer Prize-winner Sam Shepard and tells the story of Travis (Harry Dean Stanton), a man who wanders out of Mexico and into Texas one day, in the blazing heat of the “Big Bend.” Travis does not speak a word. He also seems to have largely lost his memory. But he is driven by his wish to find his family again: his young wife, Jane (Nastassja Kinski), whose life he seems to have placed in danger through his pathological jealousy, and his seven-year-old son, Hunter.

For four years, Travis was thought to be dead. His brother Walt flies from LA to Texas to bring back his lost brother. Walt and his wife, Ann, have become Hunter’s foster parents. It is tough for the two of them to give this role up now, especially when they learn that Travis wants to go out in search of Jane together with his son. They know nothing about her, except that she probably lives in Houston.

“Paris, Texas” is considered Wenders’ best-known and internationally most successful film. Celebrated by critics, it won a series of important international awards, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

In addition to the impressive performances by Harry Dean Stanton as Travis and Nastassja Kinski as Jane, “Paris, Texas” has also become a cult film due to the unique soundtrack by Ry Cooder.

• Golden Palm at the 1984 Cannes International Film Festival
• FIPRESCI Prize at the 1984 Cannes International Film Festival
• Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 1984 Cannes International Film Festival
• Best Foreign Language Film Award (Prix Léon-Moussinac) at the 1985 French Syndicate of Cinema Critics Awards
• Best Cinematography Award at the 1984 Bavarian Film Awards (Robby Müller)
• Best Director Award at the 1985 British Academy Awards (BAFTA)
• René Clair Award (Best Director) at the 1985 David di Donatello Awards
• 1985 Golden Globe Award nominee for Best Foreign Film
• 1985 César Award nominee for Best Foreign Film