Gus Van Sant

the long version

"Gus Van Sant is a revealing study of a modern-day Renaissance man who has enjoyed highly successful gallery exhibitions of his paintings, who composes songs, performs, and records. He turns out sophisticated still photography, has written a satirical and controversial novel (Pink), and has directed music videos featuring Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Hanson.". "Gus Van Sant follows the director from adolescent self-discovery in Portland, Oregon, to postgraduate pilgrimage to Italy, and the newcomer's odyssey to Hollywood, detailing the formative influences on the future filmmaker, ranging from his establishment-bred father to William Burroughs Jr., who became mentor, friend, and on-camera performer for the fledgling director.". "Based on interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, Gus Van Sant explores his successes and his artistic misfires, above all, revealing how a most unusual talent and independent film icon has succeeded on his own terms, and how he survives today in the high stakes world of contemporary filmmaking."--BOOK JACKET.