How ‘Paris, Texas’ Changed Gael García Bernal’s View of Film
Gael García Bernal shares the unforgettable moment a classic film transformed his understanding of storytelling, revealing the deep impact it had on his journey as an actor and filmmaker.
Gael García Bernal has quietly built a reputation as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. While he may not always be mentioned alongside Hollywood ’s biggest names, his performances consistently bring a raw honesty to the screen. Bernal’s drive to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling has shaped his career, making each of his roles feel deeply personal and relatable.
From his breakout in Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed Y tu mamá también to his daring turn in Pedro Almodóvar’s Bad Education, Bernal has shown a remarkable ability to inhabit characters with depth and nuance. Whether he’s playing a troubled drifter in Marvel ’s Werewolf by Night or a haunted father in M. Night Shyamalan’s Old, he brings a sense of vulnerability that grounds even the most fantastical stories in reality.
Discovering the Power of Cinema
Like many artists, Bernal’s passion for film was sparked by a single, unforgettable viewing experience. As a child, he was moved by the animated classic Dumbo, but it wasn’t until he encountered Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas that he truly grasped the emotional possibilities of the medium. Reflecting on the experience, Bernal recalled,
“It was one of the most intense ways of getting into the adult world, and I saw it when I was really young. I couldn’t believe that there were stories that were so close to reality. It felt like that, it felt very real.”
While “intense” might not be the first word most would use to describe Paris, Texas, the film’s quiet, observational style left a lasting impression on Bernal. For a young viewer accustomed to animated adventures, the film’s honest portrayal of human struggle and relationships was a revelation. Wenders’ ability to capture the subtle pain and hope of everyday life opened Bernal’s eyes to the true power of storytelling on screen.
A Lasting Influence
Bernal is far from alone in his admiration for Paris, Texas. The film earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes and, over time, has become a touchstone for filmmakers and cinephiles around the world. Its initial lukewarm reception gave way to widespread acclaim, and today it stands as a landmark in cinematic history.
Though Bernal has never collaborated with Wenders, the influence of Paris, Texas can be felt in his own work. His directorial effort Chicuarotes channels the same grounded realism and natural beauty that made Wenders’ film so powerful. By telling stories rooted in real life, Bernal continues to honor the legacy of the film that first showed him what cinema could achieve.