MovieChat Forums > Paris, Texas (1984) Discussion > Significance of the bridge scene?

Significance of the bridge scene?

posted 8 years ago by NotASpeckOfCereal
3 replies | jump to latest

I can't quite figure this one out.

First off, that bridge is HUGE. It takes Travis quite a while to cross it and we don't see the entire trip. Take a look at the freeway in the background while Travis walks. I've lived in a lot of places, and I'm not sure that many other locations have devoted the kind of land to freeways that Greater LA has. That thing is really wide! So, no mystery about the length of the bridge.

Then there's the dialog of the "Screaming Man". Sure, a run-of-the-mill crazy spouting off about the evils of the world, and by golly, he warned us all.

But what does that have to do with Travis? Is it just to show a contrast between him and his now relatively stable self and another man that is over-the-edge doomed? Or the outspoken manner of the screaming man compared to his recent stint as a mute?

Is the length of the bridge symbolic, to indicate the long distance of time Travis had traveled during his 4 year hiatus?

At any rate, I like how Travis gives him a pat on the back as he moves on.

Be sure to proof your posts to see if you any words out

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] mike-285-827213 7 years ago

Maybe it fits in the theme of ?communication.? This theme presents itself from the outset. We meet Travis in the desert, and he remains completely silent. He does not answer the doctor, and his silence frustrates Walt. As Travis regains his ability to communicate, he demonstrates himself to be incredibly naive, simplistic, and child-like. Eventually he develops his ability to communicate with Walt, Anne, and Hunter. In the end of the film, Travis delivered an absolutely eloquent soliloquy to Jane.

The bridge scene is another example of communication. Based on things we know about Travis, he probably surpassed the level of frustration this screaming, raving man exhibits before going mute. Maybe Travis pats him on the back because he has been there, too, screaming out in frustration over the loss of Jane and Hunter.

Wim Wenders talked about the meaning of communication in his personal life in an interview with Roger Willemsen in 2001.

[–] liscarkat (16530) 3 years ago

It's just a cool shot, and Travis's gentle interaction with the ranting crazy guy shows us how compassionate he is.