This should be an American classic
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ForeignInfluence — 13 years ago(May 02, 2012 10:21 AM)
We seem to agree too much but since it's Paris Texas, that's ok. I have to admit that initially I did not pay attention and missed the significance of the title and how fancy-vs-ordinary was the dominant theme of the movie. I heard about it from the interview with director a day later. I guess I was too caught up digesting some of the greatest scenes I have ever seen to be able to generalize about Paris Texas in its entirety right away. It takes time to generalize about the movie of PT's greatness.
And you are right, Paris pause Texas, has very important meaning. If I am not mistaken, Travis described his mother as too plain of a woman and somewhat disappointment to his father which seemed to affect Travis' choices in life, mainly to marry a woman out of his league (by most people standards) as his brother did. Thinking about it, I found Ann somewhat out of place in the movie. She seemed slightly too nice, too sophisticated, too good a step-mom or aunt, too attractive, too everything for the story that my initial urge was to dismiss her as director's miscast. Of course, she was like that on purpose.
As I said, I was too immersed in some of the greatest scenes in cinema to see more subtle messages of the movie. The scene when Travis waits for Hunter after school and they end up mimicking each other's walk is memorable. It does not take behavioral expert to see that Travis is not good communicator and the scene emphasizes Travis' deficiency but it also shows his desire to overcome that so he can have relationship with his son. It also emphasizes the fact that Travis is a man-child, however cheerful it may look in this scene. Remember when Travis stopped the truck at the intersection with sings for Houston (left) and San Antonio? (right) seemingly incapable to decide. And Hunter goes: "Dad, left". It was funny but again, it was sad too. It reminded us of how poorly equipped Travis was to face ordinary daily challenges. -
chas437 — 13 years ago(May 02, 2012 12:59 PM)
I agree (what a surprise). The first time you view "Paris Texas", you are too overwhelmed to pick up on all the little details. Its a film that has so much depth, you literally do have to watch it 3 or 4 times to take it all in. I've seen it well over ten times, and I still pick up small details. Its such a perfectly crafted film, that every detail fits into place.
Anne is a very interesting character as well. How she came to be married to Walt is unknown, as many things are in this film. I think her character fits in perfectly with the film, although she is clearly a lonely, unhappy and ultimately a tragic figure.
In terms of understanding the story, I think one of the most important, but easily overlooked scenes, is when Travis has been on a drinking binge and he and Hunter are in the laundy mat. This is when he talks about his parents and his father's desire to marry a fancy woman, and how his father was disappointed with his mother's plainness. This can be easily dismissed as the ramblings of a drunk man, but its actually, in a way, the answer to the great mystery of the film. The Henderson brothers, Travis and Walt, especially Travis desire women that are "fancy", while they themselves come from plain, humble origins. Travis marries a beautiful young girl who may have come from an abusive environment and probably has very low self-esteem. She is at least 20 years younger than him, so major problems are inevitable. Tragedy ensues, which changes the lives of all the characters in the film.
So, the story of Travis and Jane is somewhat of a parable. But I think there is much more to this film. There are other important sub-themes, etc. The things that are unknown to us in this film are just as important as the things we know. From the breathe taking cinamatography to the beautiful and haunting music, this is a vision of the American West through the eyes of an outsider that is beyond compelling. I really can't put it all into words, unless I spent a really long time. -
mailstevejones — 13 years ago(June 06, 2012 06:26 PM)
Amazing film, agree with the comments on the new depths discovered from watching the film again several times as I've got older. Having a 12 year old blonde haired son adds a poignancy
The ending isn't even screened but completely constructed by the film.
Travis walks away after creating a bond with Hunter that will break his heart. Hunter finds his emotionally disintegrating mother who will crumble bringing him up in a peep show hostess's lifestyle. Walt and Anne will be left devastated by the lose of their step son, break up and divorce
A tragedy perfectly narrated.
The cinematography is perfect but it's the sound that impresses on subsequent viewings. The sounds of the freeway and the airport in Walt's house. That low humming sound in the cubicle monologue scene
I wonder what i'll see and hear next time? -
Snoop_DoggChronic2001 — 12 years ago(June 02, 2013 12:08 AM)
The reason I think its not quite an "American Classic" is because its a movie person's/buff/expert/ movie. This movie has rave reviews etc but most those people are people who study film and want to go and follow a great story with great characters which this has. Hence why you see it in some film school's but most people stumble upon this movie from another movie buff or from you looking for great movies. Not because its a blockbuster or had huge stars or anything. But his is just my great opinion.
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Porn_Flakes — 11 years ago(November 06, 2014 01:12 PM)
I didn't realise until tonight that this film influenced a few of Sam Mendes' films, such as American Beauty and Road to Perdition.
For anyone interested, he did a great interview on his thoughts about the film: -
chas437 — 11 years ago(November 06, 2014 02:23 PM)
Interesting stuff, thanks. I agree with his assessment of Harry Dean Stanton's performance. Stanton and Kinski were magical. Its a shame that those performances aren't widely known and appreciated.
I'll take Punctuality