Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire Embraced at Venice With 11-Minute Ovation

Colman Domingo got misty-eyed as Gus Van Sant’s new film, the thriller “Dead Man’s Wire,” electrified Venice with an 11-minute ovation on Tuesday. Domingo, who features in the ‘70s-set film as a smooth radio DJ who becomes a key component in a hostage negotiation, also energized the crowd with chants of “Gus! Gus! Gus!” as Van Sant looked on with pride.

“Dead Man’s Wire” is led by Bill Skarsgård in a powerhouse turn as an aspiring small-town entrepreneur-turned-outlaw folk hero. As was revealed during the film’s press conference earlier on Tuesday, Skarsgård was unable to make it to the premiere because he is in production on a new film.

Directed by Van Sant and written by Austin Kolodney, the film depicts the real-life 1977 hostage situation carried out by Tony Kiritsis (Skarsgård), who kidnapped his bank mortgager (Dacre Montgomery) and then demanded $5 million, no charges or prosecution and a personal apology for wronging him.

Myha’la, Cary Elwes, John Robinson and Al Pacino round out the cast of the film, which is screening out of competition. Pacino was also not on the Lido, but the rest of the cast was present and rallied the crowd’s cheers for Van Sant, who surveyed the crowd during the ovation and at one point checked his watch.

A pillar of American independent film, Van Sant is best known for “My Own Private Idaho,” Sean Penn-led historical drama “Milk” and “Good Will Hunting,” which launched the careers of then 20-somethings Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.

For those contributions to cinema and others, the 73-year-old filmmaker, prior to the “Dead Man’s Wire” screening, was also honored with the Campari Passion for Film Award at the premiere. Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera described Van Sant as a “unique filmmaker” with a deeply independent perspective [and] remarkable ability to connect with audiences.”

“His cinema moves freely between the Hollywood system and the circuits of cinéma d’essai,” said Barbera, who went on to praise Van Sant for “engaging with industry rules without ever being constrained by them, and remaining true to a bold and ever-evolving personal vision.”

“Campari, it is a drink that I have,” said Van Sant after accepting the award, prompting roars of laughter. “Venice has always been a great place to come and show films. It’s one of the oldest institutions, so it great to be here.”