Review of Paris, Texas (1984) by A.j. S — 16 Nov 2010

Wim Wenders' whimsical tale certainly looks beautiful, but such stunning cinematography involuntarily overshadows the rest of this almost masterpiece. There is a nicely crafted story and some convincing acting from the entire cast - especially Harry Dean Stanton and a young Hunter Carson playing father and son.

Although quite lengthy, the film goes by rather quickly which may be due in part to its road-movie status. Many different landscapes, from the Arizona desert to the Los Angeles and Dallas skyline, are documented with an insatiable eye.

Wenders' style is unmistakable and sometimes a little overambitious; he does capture the beauty of an ignored United States, yet the story he tells is strong enough that he hardly needs such superfluous composition.

As for the narrative, its shrouded and enigmatic details are fitting before the unveiling of a big, however anticlimactic surprise. A final confrontation between husband and wife is somewhat overdramatic to the point of Sirkian absurdity.

This scene begins on the right foot, but about halfway through its twenty-minute duration becomes overwrought in its message and noticeable in form. Many of the other scenes like this contain moments of sheer brilliance that hide the failings and, ultimately, make it worthy of a look.