In 1977, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) becomes the nation's first openly gay man to be voted into public office, joining the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Using his victory to champion not only gay rights but human rights as well, Milk unites a diverse group of people from across the political spectrum with his outspoken manner and sense of humor. But, as he gains recognition and increases his public profile, Milk also faces hostility from fellow supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin), the man who would ulitmately take the lives of both Milk and Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber). Directed by Gus Van Sant. With Emile Hirsch, James Franco, Diego Luna, Alison Pill and Lucas Grabeel. Categories: Biography, Drama, Based on a True Story. Year: 2008.
Gus Van Sant in Milk
Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has an incredible gift for math, but instead of pursuing his talents he works as a janitor at MIT and spends time with his childhood buddies. After his gift is discovered by a professor (Stellan Skarsgård), Will is sent to a psychologist (Robin Williams) and meets a beautiful med student (Minnie Driver). With the rapid changes in his life, Will must choose between the life he has always known and the life he was meant to have. Directed by Gus Van Sant. With Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck and Cole Hauser. Categories: Drama. Year: 1997.
Gus Van Sant in Good Will Hunting
Mike (River Phoenix) and Scott (Keanu Reeves) are two hustlers passing time in Portland by doing drugs and selling themselves to the men and women they meet on the streets. Mike falls in love with Scott, a rich kid turning tricks to tick his father (Tom Troupe) off, but Scott insists his dysfunctional lifestyle is only temporary. At both their wits' end, these two boys leave Oregon, traveling through Idaho and all the way to Italy to find Mike's mother and a reason to keep moving. Directed by Gus Van Sant. With James Russo, Chiara Caselli and Jessie Thomas. Categories: Drama. Year: 1991.
Gus Van Sant in My Own Private Idaho
Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon), along with his wife (Kelly Lynch) and their apprentices, Rick (James LeGros) and Nadine (Heather Graham), function as a family of addicts who rob pharmacies to fuel their ever-growing habits. When they're forced to take their show on the road after things get too hot at home, Nadine eventually overdoses. After that, Bob swears off drugs and tries to rebuild his life, but has to do so without his wife, who's determined to stay hooked. Directed by Gus Van Sant. With James Remar, Max Perlich and William S. Burroughs. Categories: Crime, Drama, Cult Classics. Year: 1989.
Gus Van Sant in Drugstore Cowboy