Gus Van Sant: Icons

by Matthieu Orléan (Contributor), Gus Van Sant (Contributor)

From Drugstore Cowboy to Sea of Trees , Van Sant is both indie auteur and Hollywood subversive Gus Van Icons offers insight into the world of filmmaker Gus Van Sant, published on the occasion of a major exhibition at the Cinémathèque française in Paris. This comprehensive monograph surveys the full range of Van Sant’s artistry from photography and painting to music, filtered through the perspective of his films. The exhibition and catalogue are a thoroughly original take on a distinctive filmmaker, bringing together all facets of his work for the first time and offering a fresh vision of his iconic filmmaking. The heart of Gus Van Icons is a previously unpublished interview with Van Sant conducted in Portland in June 2015 by Matthieu Orléans, the exhibition’s curator. In a wide-ranging conversation, the two men discuss the whole scope of Van Sant’s work and inspirations. Van Sant connects himself to a lineage of other artists, citing William Burroughs, William Eggleston, Harmony Korine and Ed Ruscha as influences. The filmmaker offers firsthand anecdotes and in-depth appraisals of the production processes of each of his movies, from the experimental shorts of the 1970s to his most recent film, Sea of Trees , presented at the Cannes Festival in May 2015.

Genres: Art, Collections, Film, Photography

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2016

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was published to accompany an exhibition of stills, photographs and paintings by Van Sant, the images being divided up into eight themes, accompanied by interviews and commentary. There is plenty for anyone interested in his work and in film making in general. Some of the essays are a little technical for the general reader (me), and there are a fair few spoilers if you haven't seen all the films (also me). I thought I would hold a mini film festival while reading the book, especially as it is during the coronavirus lockdown. Attendance is minimal (1), but enthusiasm more than makes up for the lack of audience.

[Sycobabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of interviews, essays, photographs and art. It made me very nostalgic for discovering his talent at a young age.

[Mika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superbe objet-livre sur l'exposition mettant en avant l'art et le talent de Gus Van Sant. Très documenté, superbement illustré, le livre plaira surtout aux cinéphiles et aux amoureux du réalisateur.

[?0?0?0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come: for now, Emma Stocker, so sexy in black, no one on this site is as lucky as this here dork

ps no everything es will reply will be lies.