PARIS, TEXAS and the Power of Color

"How can a movie even have colors this good?"

An analysis of cinematographer Robby Muller's masterful use of light and color in PARIS, TEXAS.

0:00 Intro
2:27 Red, White, and Blue
3:15 Green and Black
4:54 Yellow
5:23 Blue
5:51 Red
7:18 Red and Green
7:37 Green and Blue
7:48 Red and Yellow
8:06 Red, Green, and Blue
8:47 The Ending

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
License code: UU9MCZSSFSVTI6F4

[IstasPumaNevada]

Your work is thoughtful, clear, and concise, and deserves a lot more views. I hope you win the algorithm lottery soon.

[Silvangreen]

I haven’t seen this film since the 80s. I couldn’t have articulated anything about the plot or characters but maintained a deep sense memory of the film. From time to time I think I should watch it but never do. You showed me why I always let it fade back to a place in my mind where I stored childhood melancholy. Now I know why I will watch it.

[josecordero]

Probably the best video essay I've in a long time. Not only thanks to the script, but also thanks to the beautiful voice and the amazing video editing.

[Jabullz]

When I first saw your video essay on the Madmen scene I was glad to had found a well produced and thought out channel. You haven't posted in quite some time now, just want you to know I hope you are doing well. Thank you for the few bits of insight that you gave us.

[mckinnon]

Commenting because the algorithm needs to fall in love with your work!

[ЕвгенийЛипин-ми]

This is a great review of this movie. I haven't noticed so many details with color before. Thank you for your work.

[buffalo_bison]

Paris, Texas has long been on my to-watch list. Thanks so much for the reminder of it with this fantastic video!

[arca-ngel]

I can tell how much work and analysis you must've done for this video. I just finished watching this movie and I knew it was special, thanks for this analysis!

[alejandroramirez_FoodScapes]

Wonderful, speculative yet truthful account of a great film. Thanks for sharing such content. 🎉 Great work!

[patrickryan]

I’ve been a fan since I stumbled on the Mad Men video. I’m so happy you posted another one. I’ve never seen this movie, but I bought it off ITunes right after I finished your essay. Thanks for the content!

Music choice is awesome as well!

[biswastathagata]

Watched it yesterday night digital restored version on a large screen movie theatre, the director Wim Wender himself was introducing the movie. venue Nandan Cinema Kolkata, India. But some of the green color that you are explaining were missing from the digitalized version. Especially when Travis enters the red light hotel where he eventually finds his wife, from the white titles staircase to the red light entrance.

[martinholden]

Excellent essay, thank you for sharing. All the best.

[ThePurlpleCow]

Your writing, editing and narration are extremely polished. Hope the bump from the mad men video takes you new places. Keep at it!

[bluepeteblue]

Great analysis and insight! I always wondered why the red cap in the beginning. So stark. I see now, red = the past/Jane. He wears it because that's on his mind-- literally.

[milycome]

Of all the outstanding qualities that this film has, at the top of the list for the excellentcy in this film is its Cinematography.

[smellthesunshine]

Excellent analysis and presentation. I find this movie frustrating, because it's beautiful and interesting and smart, with great performances from all the principles; but also broken. Do 17-year-olds really fall for 55-year olds? Why did the Super 8 contradict Travis's confession about how happy/miserable they were? How could Jane not recognize Travis's voice, especially when she goes on to say that his voice was so meaningful to her after they split up? In the end, I guess I agree with you: what I love about the film is Müller's work and Wenders direction, and the wonderful use of color.

[gustavogamba]

Another great essay! Definitely worth waiting for!

[rock.clamberer]

Wow, great takes, looking forward to your next video!

[nicksamek]

Very interesting analysis, thank you.

[rukeyser]

July 2024
Just found you - this is my third - and i just got notepaper & pen for a new WATCH list.
Im 75 - love film, have diverse tastes, & have a decent sense of the human, technical, political & financial elements & powers involved.
But Ive known the names of classics in every genre that Ive never seen...
I love it when youtube/algo tosses me a prompt from a passionate, articulate observer: a teacher.

I see that your latest post was nearly a year ago -
and that you never got the attention your work merited years ago or since.

Given the philosophical bent that makes your insights such purchase in my grateful imagination, i want to believe that any filament of connection is the same sort of joy to you that it is to me.

LOL - SORRY BOUT ALL THE SYLLABLES. I can only go so long before big feelings are betrayed by words further & further away from them in time.

And now i am late.