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Gus Van Sant's 'Dead Man’s Wire' Explores 1977 Hostage Drama

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Gus Van Sant returns to filmmaking with "Dead Man’s Wire," a historical true-crime drama about the 1977 Tony Kiritsis hostage case.
The film premiered at the AFI Film Festival and highlights Van Sant's interest in human behavior.
Bill Skarsgård stars as Kiritsis, with Dacre Montgomery and Colman Domingo in supporting roles.
The screenplay, adapted by Austin Kolodney, features themes of humanism and dark humor.
Van Sant discusses the unpredictability of filmmaking throughout his career.

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Story summary

Gus Van Sant returns to filmmaking with "Dead Man’s Wire," a historical true-crime drama about the 1977 Tony Kiritsis hostage case.
The film premiered at the AFI Film Festival and highlights Van Sant's interest in human behavior.
Bill Skarsgård stars as Kiritsis, with Dacre Montgomery and Colman Domingo in supporting roles.
The screenplay, adapted by Austin Kolodney, features themes of humanism and dark humor.
Van Sant discusses the unpredictability of filmmaking throughout his career.