Wanderlust films: Paris, Texas

Where: This Palme D’Or classic is set way out west, opening across the spectacular Big Bend National Park, before taking a cross-state journey to the desert ghost town of Terlingua, Los Angeles and neon lit Houston, Texas. Sadly, the titular Paris isn’t featured; a town that celebrates its exotic European name with a 45-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, adorned with a red Stetson. Why it will inspire you: Wim Wender’s modern day Western is a masterpiece of filmmaking. With a screenplay from veteran playwright Sam Shepard and performances by Nastassja Kinski and the late, great Harry Dean Stanton; Paris, Texas is a heart-breaking tale of a man trying to piece together his broken family. The stirring backdrop of southwestern Americana is arguably the starring role of every scene, its desolate earthy landscapes and smoggy suburban cityscapes fully responsible for my long-held dream to hit the road and explore the asphalt spine that leads to these raw, rugged and romantic heartlands.