To Paris, Texas, and Beyond

Abstract

This chapter looks at Harry Dean Stanton's greatest film from a wide range of aspects -- Ry Cooder's music, Robbie Müller's cinematography, Sam Shepard's writing, Wim Wenders' direction, and, of course, the acting, not only Harry Dean's but also that of Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Aurore Clément, and Hunter Carson. It traces the genesis of the story that grew out of Shepard's imagination and Wenders' fascination with American iconography. Important, too, was Shepard's encounter with Harry Dean in a Santa Fe bar and subsequent casting of him for the role of Travis Henderson, the mysterious desert wanderer searching for some kind of redemption after abandoning his wife and son. Each of the key contributors to the film -- whether in music, scenery, or the story -- had his or her own journey that led to this very American film that is yet so imbued with European sensibilities. Shot in chronological order and thus with cast and crew shuffling back and forth between Texas and Los Angeles, Paris, Texas was a test for all involved, but it became the film that made Harry Dean most proud and the one that marked the peak of his career.