How ‘Paris, Texas’ Changed Gael García Bernal’s View of Film

Gael García Bernal has quietly built a reputation as one of the most authentic performers of his generation. While he might not always be mentioned in the same breath as some of the industry’s biggest names, his knack for bringing depth and honesty to every role is hard to ignore. From his breakout in Alfonso Cuarón’s Y tu mamá también to his striking turn in Pedro Almodóvar’s Bad Education, Bernal has shown he can slip into any character and make it feel real, no matter how unusual or complex.

He’s not just a one-trick pony, either. In the Marvel special Werewolf by Night, Bernal played a wandering loner with a dark secret, giving the character a vulnerability that made him more than just a monster. Even in M Night Shyamalan’s divisive horror flick Old, he managed to find something genuinely moving in a story that left many punters scratching their heads.

Discovering the Power of Storytelling

Like many in the business, Bernal’s passion for the craft was sparked by a single, unforgettable viewing experience. He’s mentioned before that Dumbo left a mark on him as a kid, but it wasn’t until he stumbled across Wim Wenders’ Paris, Texas that he truly grasped what the medium could do.

“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 every day you hear someone call Paris, Texas “intense”—the film is known for its slow pace and quiet observation. But for a young viewer used to animated tales, the raw honesty and grounded emotion of Wenders’ work was a revelation. The film’s portrayal of people struggling with regret and broken relationships hit close to home, showing Bernal that cinema could be as true to life as any conversation with a mate.

Lasting Influence and Creative Inspiration

Bernal isn’t alone in being floored by Paris, Texas. The film took out the Palme d’Or at Cannes and, despite a lukewarm start with audiences, has since become a cult favourite, now widely seen as one of the all-time greats. Its reputation has only grown, with more and more people recognising its quiet power.

Though Bernal hasn’t had the chance to team up with Wenders, he’s clearly taken inspiration from the director’s approach. His own film, Chicuarotes, is a gritty, realistic look at growing up in Mexico, echoing the naturalistic style that made Paris, Texas so memorable. Bernal’s work behind the camera shows he’s just as keen to tell stories that feel honest and close to the bone as he is in front of it.