films seen
16
average score
2.84*
nationality
USA - 70 years old
status
Alive and kicking
more info

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

2003 / 81m - USA
Drama -
Elephant poster

Elephant hasn't lost any of its impact over time.

Gerry

2002 / 103m - USA
Mystery -
Gerry poster

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.


Paranoid Park

2007 / 85m - USA
Drama, Mystery, Crime -
4.0*/5.0*
Paranoid Park poster

Last Days

2005 / 97m - USA
Drama, Music -
4.0*/5.0*
Last Days poster

Restless

2011 / 91m - USA
Drama, Romance -
3.0*/5.0*
Restless poster

Psycho

1998 / 105m - USA
Horror, Mystery, Thriller -
3.0*/5.0*
Psycho poster

Good Will Hunting

1997 / 126m - USA
Drama, Romance -
3.0*/5.0*
Good Will Hunting poster

Bad Night

Mala Noche
1986 / 78m - USA
Drama -
3.0*/5.0*
Bad Night poster

Milk

2008 / 128m - USA
Drama -
2.5*/5.0*
Milk poster

The Sea of Trees

2015 / 110m - USA
Drama -
2.0*/5.0*
The Sea of Trees poster

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.

Promised Land

2012 / 106m - USA
Drama -
2.0*/5.0*
Promised Land poster

To Die For

1995 / 106m - USA
Comedy, Crime -
2.0*/5.0*
To Die For poster

1.5*/5.0*
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot poster

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.


Drugstore Cowboy

1989 / 101m - USA
Drama, Crime -
0.5*/5.0*
Drugstore Cowboy poster