The Movies That Made Me DEAD MAN'S WIRE director Gus Van Sant
Jan 27, 2026
Gus Van Sant, acclaimed filmmaker known for art-house and mainstream films like Elephant and Drugstore Cowboy. He talks about the origins and making of Dead Man's Wire, casting surprises including Cary Elwes, shooting fast in Kentucky, and how influences from Béla Tarr, Chantal Akerman, David Lean and Kubrick shaped his use of long takes, pacing and silence.
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Crowdfunded Producer Roll Call
- Gus Van Sant described navigating a film with dozens of producers and explained many were financial backers who rarely attended set.
- He compared the financing to crowdfunding with executive producer credits and said only a few producers were actively involved.
Unexpectedly Recognizable Casting
- Gus recounted casting Cassian Elwes's brother and later realizing the actor was recognizable from The Princess Bride.
- He said the actor naturally embodied a character that surprised the crew and shifted their perception after wrapping.
Cinema Holds Hidden Messages
- Gus described Citizen Kane as the first film that revealed cinema can carry hidden messages beyond plot.
- Seeing it in school expanded his sense of film craft and narrative layers.
