Gus Van Sant

Iconic American film director Gus Van Sant discusses his deconstructed Mona Lisa series, friendship with Derek Jarman, how he became a painter in his teens, lasting influence of his art teacher, and how painting informed his filmmaking. He also reflects on his early artistic journey, the artistic nature and impact of 'My Own Private Idaho', and his ventures in making a musical about Andy Warhol.

Gus Van Sant, the acclaimed filmmaker behind hits like My Own Private Idaho and Psycho, chats candidly about the gritty realities of Hollywood. He shares insights on crowdfunding his latest film, Dead Man's Wire, and reflects on how critics played a surprising role in his career revival. The conversation dives into the psychological intricacies of actors on set, sprinkled with wild tales, including one where he threw rocks to elicit a performance. They also explore the evolution of comedy and the significance of influential shows like Saturday Night Live.