Gus Van Sant is probably best known for directing the Oscar winning movie ‘Good Will Hunting’ and the remake of ‘Psycho’ but his heart truly lies in directing art house classics or indie movies as they’re better known such as ‘Drugstore Cowboy’ and ‘My Own Private Idaho’. His best movies are usually considered to be ‘the death trilogy’, three films based on true life events. The first film ‘Gerry’ released in 2002 deals with euthanasia and how physical isolation affects people. The second ‘Elephant’, a movie based on the Columbine Massacre deals with murder and social isolation experienced by teenagers on a daily basis. The third and my favorite ‘Last Days’ depicts the final few days of an artist similar to the late Kurt Cobain before he commits suicide. Like other films of the trilogy this movie deals with mental isolation in which Michael Pitt delivers a stellar performance. His latest indie venture might be the best one yet. ‘Paranoid Park’ a movie on exactly that – paranoia shows a skater teen who accidentally kills a security guard trying to deal with the situation.
Now most people who will go out and rent these movies or download them on my suggestion, be warned these are not the average light hearted popcorn movie. The reason that makes these movies so special is the experimental approach applied by Van Sant in all of them. Minimalist dialogue and narration, no linear connections between scenes and starting at different points in time are all traits that he uses to full effect. Open minded people will truly love how he’s able to capture the mood and feeling of each scene with any particular story line. As for the narrow minded ingrates, I think the new bond movie is out….
Now most people who will go out and rent these movies or download them on my suggestion, be warned these are not the average light hearted popcorn movie. The reason that makes these movies so special is the experimental approach applied by Van Sant in all of them. Minimalist dialogue and narration, no linear connections between scenes and starting at different points in time are all traits that he uses to full effect. Open minded people will truly love how he’s able to capture the mood and feeling of each scene with any particular story line. As for the narrow minded ingrates, I think the new bond movie is out….
