Gus Van Sant

Born:24. juli 1952

Place of Birth:Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Known For:Directing

Biography

Gus Green Van Sant, Jr., born on July 24, 1952, is a multi-talented American artist known for his work as a director, screenwriter, painter, photographer, musician, and author. While he is widely recognized for his Oscar-nominated films like "Good Will Hunting" and "Milk," as well as his Palme d'Or-winning movie "Elephant" at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003, Van Sant's creative journey is as diverse as his talents. Residing in Portland, Oregon, he has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Van Sant's artistic endeavors began in the world of television commercials in the Pacific Northwest, where he honed his skills before transitioning to the realm of feature films. Throughout his career, he has fearlessly explored themes related to homosexuality and other marginalized subcultures, bringing a unique perspective to his storytelling.

His filmography as a writer and director boasts a range of projects, including the adaptation of Tom Robbins' novel "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," a film that showcased a diverse cast featuring talents like Keanu Reeves, Roseanne Barr, Uma Thurman, and k.d. lang, alongside notable cameos by William S. Burroughs and Heather Graham. Another standout in his filmography is "My Own Private Idaho," a poignant film starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves that delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Beyond his work in film, Van Sant has also ventured into the literary world, penning a novel titled "Pink" and releasing a book of his captivating photography titled "108 Portraits." His ability to seamlessly navigate various art forms speaks to his boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Van Sant's contributions to the entertainment industry have not only earned him critical acclaim but have also sparked important conversations about representation and inclusion in media. His commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life has solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker with a unique voice.

In addition to his directorial achievements, Van Sant's foray into music and painting further showcases his versatility as an artist. His multidisciplinary approach to creativity highlights his willingness to push boundaries and explore new avenues of expression, cementing his status as a true Renaissance man in the world of arts and entertainment.

As a prominent figure in the film industry, Van Sant's influence extends far beyond the screen, inspiring aspiring filmmakers and artists to fearlessly pursue their creative visions. With a body of work that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, he remains a trailblazer whose impact on cinema is sure to endure for generations to come.

Images

Filmografi

Skuespill

My Own Private Idaho

Man Behind Hotel Counter (uncredited)

1991

In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.

Finding Forrester

Library Assistant (uncredited)

2000

Gus Van Sant tells the story of a young African American man named Jamal who confronts his talents while living on the streets of the Bronx. He accidentally runs into an old writer named Forrester who discovers his passion for writing. With help from his new mentor Jamal receives a scholarship to a private school.

Psycho

Man Talking to Man in Cowboy Hat (uncredited)

1998

A young female embezzler arrives at the Bates Motel, which has terrible secrets of its own.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Gus Van Sant

2001

When Jay and Silent Bob learn that their comic-book alter egos, Bluntman and Chronic, have been sold to Hollywood as part of a big-screen movie that leaves them out of any royalties, the pair travels to Tinseltown to sabotage the production.

Drugstore Cowboy

Himself (uncredited)

1989

Portland, Oregon, 1971. Bob Hughes is the charismatic leader of a peculiar quartet, formed by his wife, Dianne, and another couple, Rick and Nadine, who skillfully steal from drugstores and hospital medicine cabinets in order to appease their insatiable need for drugs. But neither fun nor luck last forever.

Paranoid Park

Guy Reading Newspaper (uncredited)

2007

A teenage skateboarder becomes suspected of being connected with a security guard who suffered a brutal death in a skate park called "Paranoid Park".

Produksjon

Kids

Executive Producer

1995

A day in the life of a group of teens as they travel around New York City skating, drinking, smoking and deflowering virgins.

Elephant

Director

2003

Several ordinary high school students go through their daily routine as two others prepare for something more malevolent.

My Own Private Idaho

Screenplay

1991

Finding Forrester

Director

2000

Milk

Sound Re-Recording Mixer

2008

The true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office. In San Francisco in the late 1970s, Harvey Milk becomes an activist for gay rights and inspires others to join him in his fight for equal rights that should be available to all Americans.

Psycho

Director

1998

A young female embezzler arrives at the Bates Motel, which has terrible secrets of its own.

To Die For

Director

1995

Suzanne Stone wants to be a world-famous news anchor and she is willing to do anything to get what she wants. What she lacks in intelligence, she makes up for in cold determination and diabolical wiles. As she pursues her goal with relentless focus, she is forced to destroy anything and anyone that may stand in her way, regardless of the ultimate cost or means necessary.

I'm Still Here

Thanks

2010

I'm Still Here is a portrayal of a tumultuous year in the life of actor Joaquin Phoenix. With remarkable access, the film follows the Oscar-nominee as he announces his retirement from a successful film career in the fall of 2008 and sets off to reinvent himself as a hip-hop musician. The film is a portrait of an artist at a crossroads and explores notions of courage and creative reinvention, as well as the ramifications of a life spent in the public eye.

Drugstore Cowboy

Screenplay

1989

Paris Je T'aime

Writer

2006

Olivier Assayas, Gus Van Sant, Wes Craven and Alfonso Cuaron are among the 20 distinguished directors who contribute to this collection of 18 stories, each exploring a different aspect of Parisian life. The colourful characters in this drama include a pair of mimes, a husband trying to chose between his wife and his lover, and a married man who turns to a prostitute for advice.

Gerry

Writer

2002

Two friends named Gerry become lost in the desert after taking a wrong turn. Their attempts to find their way home only lead them into further trouble.

Promised Land

Executive Producer

2012

A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources.

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Executive Producer

1994

A girl born with enormous thumbs in the repressive era of the 1950s learns to turn her quirks into assets.

Paranoid Park

Editor

2007

A teenage skateboarder becomes suspected of being connected with a security guard who suffered a brutal death in a skate park called "Paranoid Park".