How ‘Paris, Texas’ Changed Gael García Bernal Forever

Gael García Bernal has long been a quietly formidable presence on screen, rarely drawing the same level of fanfare as some of his contemporaries, yet consistently delivering performances that feel lived-in and utterly convincing. His knack for breathing life into roles that might otherwise seem far-fetched or difficult to relate to has set him apart, even if he’s not always mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio or Daniel Day-Lewis. With a career stretching back to the turn of the millennium, Bernal’s filmography is peppered with standouts, from his breakout in Alfonso Cuarón’s Y tu mamá también to his chameleonic turn in Pedro Almodóvar’s Bad Education.

What’s striking about Bernal’s approach is his ability to unearth something genuine in characters who might otherwise come across as too eccentric or remote. Take his role in Marvel’s Werewolf by Night—a special television presentation—where he managed to craft a portrait of a solitary wanderer, who just happened to be a werewolf, with a depth that was both flawed and sympathetic. Or his performance in M Night Shyamalan’s Old, a film that divided critics but saw Bernal bring a sense of melancholy and unease to the fore.

Early Encounters with Cinema

Like many in the industry, Bernal’s fascination with the moving image can be traced back to a formative encounter with a particular film. He’s spoken before about the impact of Dumbo during his childhood, but it wasn’t until he stumbled upon Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas that the full scope of what film could achieve truly dawned on him.

“It was one of the most intense ways of getting into the adult world, and I saw it when I was really young,”

he recalled.

“I couldn’t believe that there were stories that were so close to reality. It felt like that, it felt very real.”

It’s not the sort of film most would label “intense”—Wenders’ work is measured, almost meditative, in its pacing. Yet for a young viewer accustomed to animated fare, the rawness and authenticity of Paris, Texas must have landed like a thunderclap. The film’s unvarnished depiction of personal struggle and fractured relationships offered a window into a world far removed from the fantastical, and it’s easy to see why it left such a mark.

Lasting Influence and Inspiration

Wenders’ Palme d’Or-winning film didn’t just resonate with Bernal; it’s become a touchstone for countless filmmakers and cinephiles, gradually amassing a devoted following after a muted initial reception. Its reputation has only grown, now widely regarded as a high-water mark in cinematic storytelling.

Although Bernal hasn’t had the opportunity to collaborate with Wenders, the influence is plain to see in his own directorial efforts. His feature Chicuarotes channels a similar sense of realism, capturing the everyday struggles of youth in Mexico with an unflinching eye. There’s a clear throughline from the emotional honesty of Paris, Texas to the grounded, naturalistic style Bernal favours behind the camera.