Since the late 1980s, Gus Van Sant has been in the vanguard of American independent cinema - displaying his artistic freedom in such films as My Own Private Idaho and Elephant  - as well as directing a number of major Hollywood hits, including To Die For and Good Will Hunting . Based on an interview with the filmmaker, this book presents the diversity of his filmography, accompanied by his photographs and paintings, his inspirations and major collaborative projects (William S. Burroughs, William Eggleston and Bruce Weber). Van Sant's work is presented alongside his innermost thoughts, first-hand anecdotes and an in-depth examination of his approach to filmmaking.