Gus Van Sant Garners Praise for ‘Dead Man’s Wire’
Absent from the Venice Film Festival for over thirty years, Gus Van Sant is making a comeback this year with “Dead Man’s Wire”, bringing with him an incredible cast. The last time the Festival welcomed the Louisville director was in 1991, with “My Own Private Idaho”, which earned a young and extraordinary River Phoenix the Coppa Volpi. Two years later came “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” (1993), an unfairly overshadowed film which would deserve a careful reevaluation.
Last night’s red carpet, however, was not to be underestimated. Awarded with the Campari Passion for Film Award, Van Sant walked first with the cast following closely: Californian Myha’la Herrold exuded effortless 70s-inspired elegance, alongside Cary Elwes, Dacre Montgomery, and Colman Domingo (two-time Oscar nominee for Best Actor for “Rustin” (2023) and “Sing Sing” (2023), respectively).
“Dead Man’s Wire” (which also features the legendary Al Pacino) recounts the true story of Tony Kiritsis, who in 1977 took Richard Hall, a bank official he believed had defrauded him on a mortgage contract, hostage by tying a cable around his neck connected to the trigger of a shotgun. This human, tense, and grotesque thriller was brought to life by Van Sant’s singular sensitivity. Thanks to his long career and experience, the director managed to translate this unbelievable story into a visual artwork, blending irony, style and that unmistakable American elegance that always hits the mark in Venice.
Text: Germano D’Acquisto
Photos: Ludovica Arcero
