Death Trilogy (2002 - 2005): 3

In the drama film Last Days (2005), directed, produced, and written by Gus Van Sant, we witness a fictionalized portrayal of a musician’s final days, loosely based on Kurt Cobain. The central character, Blake, breaks out of a rehab facility and makes his way back home through the forest. After swimming through a lake and spending the night by a fire, he returns to his house and changes his clothes before wandering around with a shotgun in hand. Among his roommates – Scott, Luke, Asia, and Nicole – is Thadeus A. Thomas, who chats with him about advertising in the upcoming Yellow Pages book. Despite ...

Elephant (2003) is a gripping American psychological drama film by writer, director, and editor Gus Van Sant. Set in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon at Watt High School, the film delves into the aftermath of a school shooting, inspired by the infamous 1999 Columbine High School massacre. The story follows various high school students as they navigate their lives leading up to the tragic event. One student, John McFarland, has a turbulent relationship with his alcoholic father – evident when he takes over driving due to his father’s drunken state. Upon arriving late to school, John faces disciplinary action ...

Gerry (2002) is an American drama film written and directed by Gus Van Sant, with stars and co-writers Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. The characters embark on a hike at a marked location called ‘Wilderness Trail’. Along the way, they encounter other passing hikers. In order to avoid any interruptions, they choose to venture off the trail. After some walking, conversation and even an impromptu foot race, they decide to turn back. However, it doesn’t take long for them to realize that they are completely ...