In Memoriam: Rest in peace

I just popped into the thread to make sure someone had given Tom Petty a mention but saw your post which doesn't mention "Paris, Texas" - my favourite film, with the possible exception of "Wings of Desire" (both directed by Wim Wenders).

"Paris, Texas" is notable in this thread as it was written by Sam Shepard, who we also lost recently.

If you haven't seen it, you've missed a genuine treat. It is visually breathtaking, shot by the incomparable Robby Muller, and also of interest to anyone who has ever heard and enjoyed "The Joshua Tree" by U2 or their song "Walk to the Water", with the lyric "He said he was an artist, but he really painted billboards" clearly referencing Dean Stockwell's character. If you've ever felt like someone disconnected from or at odds with the real world, Harry Dean Stanton's performance is likely to completely floor you and then stay with you forever, along with the image of Nastassja Kinski looking over her shoulder. It should probably also be acknowledged that people with a disposition towards suicidal intent should approach with caution - both Kurt Cobain and Elliot Smith listed it as their favourite film.

On a lighter note, I can't believe it's 13 years since his small cameo in "Two and a Half Men" - he really did have a good innings.