Nowadays, French filmmaker Claire Denis is a legend in the industry. However, back before she was off shooting sci-fi epics with Robert Pattinson, such as her latest film “High Life,” the director had an earlier job as an assistant for filmmaker Wim Wenders. But even with the fairly low position, she was very devoted to her job. Or maybe, just stubborn.
In a new interview with Rian Johnson for the A24 podcast, Denis discusses her career, and specifically tells a crazy story about her time on the set of “Paris, Texas,” where filmmaker Wenders let her risk her life to prove a point.
“I became crazy at that time,” said Denis, who was Wenders’ assistant at the time, “and I told Wim, ‘Wim I didn’t mind, maybe Harry Dean Stanton should cross over the Rio Grande?’ and he told me, ‘Maybe he would be afraid?’ I said, ‘It’s nothing, I can cross the Rio Grande just like that.’ Once, twice.”
She continued, “I went with my jeans on. And I kept my shoes because it’s full of stone. It was shallow, it seems shallow. And suddenly, in the middle of it, there was a current so powerful I couldn’t resist, you know.”
And so, Denis’ attempt to prove that the Rio Grande wasn’t so bad resulted in her proving that maybe it was a bit dangerous. However, as she explained, it didn’t end in tragedy, no thanks to Wenders.
“I am a good swimmer but the Rio Grande is much stronger than I am,” explained the filmmaker. “And I was watching Wim. I turn around, Wim, he did not react at all. So I said, ‘Hey, he is not going to save my life?’”
“In the end, I managed,” she added. “I don’t know, it took me an hour to get out of the Rio Grande. And Wim flatly told me, ‘You see Claire, I think it’s not a good idea to do it with Harry Dean Stanton.’ I said, ‘No I don’t think it’s a good idea.’”
Thankfully, everyone was okay, Denis learned a lesson, and Wenders proved a point. And of course, the world was able to experience what Denis would go on to do after the Palme d’Or-winning film.
“High Life” is in select theaters now.