Paris, Texas

12A

Paris, Texas follows the mysterious, nearly mute drifter Travis (a magnificent Harry Dean Stanton, whose face is a landscape all its own) as he tries to reconnect with his young son, living with his brother in Los Angeles, and his missing wife Jane (Nastassja Kinski).

From this simple setup, director Wim Wenders and writer Sam Shepard produce a powerful statement on codes of masculinity and the myth of the American family – as well as an exquisite visual exploration of a vast, crumbling world of canyons and neon.

Showing as part of our Philosophy & Film strand, Paris, Texas will be followed by a short talk from Prof. Christopher Bennett, exploring some of the philosophical themes raised. 

Christopher Bennett is a Professor of Philosophy in the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities at the University of Sheffield. His PhD looked at the question of whether retributive emotions have a place in the good human life. This and related questions continue to be a central interest. Chris was Chief Editor of the Journal of Applied Philosophy from 2013-2018.

Ry Cooder's soundtrack from the film won a BAFTA for Best Film Music and has recently been reissued on vinyl. You can buy the album from our friends at Jumbo Records here.