“Dead Man’s wire”, interview with the director Gus Van Sant

We met with Gus Van Sant before the screening of his new film “Dead Man’s Wire”, at the 82 Venice International Film Festival, to talk about a story inspired by a real 1977 Indianapolis kidnapping. Van Sant reflects on how the film balances entertaining absurdity with serious issues like media manipulation and police conduct, providing viewers with both laughter and food for thought.

The Real Event That Inspired the film

At the heart of “Dead Man’s Wire” lies a startling true story. In 1977, a man named Tony orchestrated an elaborate plan to kidnap a mortgage company president during a presentation. His goal was to demand an apology to be broadcast live on television, as part of a highly unconventional ransom.  Gus Van Sant highlights how the real event was unpredictable—Tony essentially improvised while having a well-prepared scheme. His demands, including a neck-attached gun and televised apology, showcase a bizarre yet pointed critique of corporate and media culture.

Capturing a Moment in Time

Gus Van Sant emphasises that the “Dead Man’s Wire” meticulously portrays the police response of the era—a stark contrast to contemporary tactics. In 1977, police officers were generally more understanding, often treating suspects with a degree of empathy. The film visually underscores this difference through genuine archival footage, showing how police agents approached such incidents with less force and more patience. Van Sant notes that this softer approach reflected a time when law enforcement was more integrated with the community, a sharp contrast to today’s more paramilitary style that often perceives citizens as enemies.

Authenticity and Visual Storytelling

The film’s closing scenes feature raw footage illustrating how makeshift the kidnapping was—adding a layer of authenticity that resonates with audiences. Gus Van Sant highlights that this handcrafted nature of the crime demonstrates its bizarre and almost playful quality. These real clips reinforce the film’s ability to blend Hollywood storytelling with documentary elements, emphasising that even serious crimes can be touched by humor and human complexity.

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