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"I’m thinking of remaking “Psycho” again. Doing a third remake. The idea this time is to really change it – we’re talking about doing a Punk rocker setting. Viggo Mortensen suggested it. He was married to Exene Cervenka and knows all the right people to get involved – all the right punk rocker etc – so he would definitely be involved if we go ahead.", he says. "“Psycho” was great, a huge kind of grand experiment project. Very trial by fire. It met with a lot of criticism – but we managed to keep afloat, I think we broke even."
Van Sant also said one of his films might get made after all. "We were in pre-production on the John Travolta picture “Standing Room Only” and it came apart – financially it was a bit shaky. We’ll possibly do that again sometime."
Sounds like Gus has a lot on his plate in the upcoming years - it'll be quite interesting to see what actually gets made and what doesn't.
February 5, 2003: I've got a whole bunch of new information on the recently wrapped Elephant film Gus was working on in Portland. I'll be making major changes to the Elephant page on this site in the next week or so...
October 10, 2002: Well, since it's actually officially in production, I can now happily report that Gus is working on a new film. Tentatively entitled Elephant, little else is known about the film as of yet. It looks to be a fairly low budget affair, and I have yet to hear of any 'name' actor or actress to be cast in the film. However, since they're currently shooting the film, obviously someone must be in it! I've set up a page for the new film here. For those of you hoping he would make JT Leroy's Sarah as his next film, don't worry - word is he still plans to do it, it's just a matter of raising money and having other things fall into place. Supposedly, Sarah will be his next film, after Elephant. And in other news, Gerry is scheduled to open in limited release on Feb. 7, 2003.
January 12, 2002: Gus' latest film, Gerry, premiered at Sundance! The low-budget, mostly improvised film should find a distributor at the festival and make its way into theatres some time this year. I'm quite sorry for not realizing this film was finished and having its premiere. Click here to find out more about it.
July 24, 2001: Happy Birthday to Gus, who turns 48 today. Not a lot of other stuff going on with him, at least that i can find...i did stumble across some notes on Sarah (from someone who went on a scouting trip for the film with Patti Sullivan, the screenwriter for Sarah) that are somewhat interesting. you can read them by clicking here or going to www.jtleroy.com. The film is currently still in pre-production.
January 26, 2001: As promised, there is casting information on Sarah that I have stumbled across. To read more about how to be in the film, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page...
January 25, 2001: NEW PROJECT FOR GUS VAN SANT!! Well, i've been sitting on this for awhile, until i could better confirm it...and now i have...so it is with pleasure that I announce that Gus Van Sant's next film will be Sarah, based on the recently released novel of the same name by JT Leroy. Described as a retelling of the prodigal son parable set in the modern world of transvesties, hustlers, and truck stops, this one looks very interesting indeed. Expect casting to be announced soon, and be aware that they are currently looking for leads AND extras to be in the film (more information on that as it becomes available!). Thanks to Emily for the tip on Sarah and keep checking back here for updates on the project's status.
January 24, 2001: It's been FOREVER since I've updated this News page - mainly because most of the news updates since 3/00 have been related to Finding Forrester, and you can find those updates here.
March 18, 2000: I have just set up an unofficial Finding Forrester page on this site. To view it, click here
For those of you near Toronto, the word is that Gus and crew will be shooting there from April 2nd through May 1st. Gus was originally skeptical about filming much of the film there (since the story is set in New York), but upon visiting the area found it nicer, and cheaper, than he had thought. So heads up if you live in the area!
March 17, 2000: Looks like Gus is finally gearing up to start in on his next project, Finding Forrester. A couple of pieces appeared today (film.com, Variety), that confirm some casting rumors and mention filming locations...
Thanks again to Hyden for the information!
December 8, 1999: It looks like film.com picked up the same story about Van Sant's latest OFFICIAL project. Here's what they had to say: " Gus Van Sant, lately of the ill-fated Psycho remake, will make his next project Finding Forrester, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Sean Connery will star and executive produce the film, which is about a reclusive East Coast writer who befriends a young black writer who excels in basketball. Production for Columbia Pictures should start next spring..."
December 7, 1999: Well, I've been sitting around waiting for an official announcement on Gus Van Sant's "latest project" for awhile. With so many rumors swirling in the air, no one could predict what picture he was actually going to try and make first. Then, out of nowhere (as seems to be the case with his film projects lately), it was announced by the Hollywood Reporter that his next film, scheduled to began shooting next spring, will be Finding Forrester, an interesting but "un-Guslike" choice. What's stranger? Sean Connery will star in the film, and executive produce it...What is going on?! Anybody have any ideas about this one? I was hoping for Brokeback Mountain or Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot; even Standing Room Only sounded interesting. But a Sean Connery film? (Don't get me wrong, I love the guy, but...). I'll try to keep you guys posted on what is going on as it develops.
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