Forever drifting between commercial and arthouse cinema, Van Sant had an exceptional run during the early 00s. His oeuvre overall is pretty hit-and-miss, but his films rarely feel flat or uninspired, so it doesn't hurt to give them a try.
Movies
Elephant hasn't lost any of its impact over time.
It's best to leave all hope of a decent storyline behind when you want to watch this film. Gerry is all about the experience, ignoring the rest and foregoing all compromises.
Chacun Son Cinéma
Paris, I Love You
Aokigahara has become a popular location for movies, in the hands of Gus Van Sant (thinking of Gerry in particular) it could've been genius. Sadly the reality is a bit different. The film is overly sentimental, the drama is poor, the acting way too heavy-handed. A missed opportunity that doesn't warrant its running time.
Gus van Sant needs another winner, because his career is slowly but surely slipping into mediocrity. This film does little to curve that trend, on the contrary. Tepid drama, gross overacting and a dreary story make this a real pain to sit through. In some instances van Sant's talent shines through, but they are few and far apart.
