"An official selection in the 2005 Cannes Film festival, 'Gus van Sant's Last Days' is inspired by the final hours of Kurt Cobain. The film introduces us to Blake (Michael Pitt), a brilliant, but troubled musician. Success has left him in a lonely place, where livelihoods rest on his shoulders and old friends regularly tap him for money and favors. The film follows Blake through a handful of hours spent in and near his wooded home
a fugitive from his own life," according to the DVD sleeve synopsis.
What many people didn't see in the death of Mr. Cobain was that he succumbed more as the result of a mental breakdown than the drug use that aggravated this condition. Cobain had reached the point in life, after nirvana, when you realize other people in your life are there more for what you have than for who you are. After parting with family and original friends, we gravitate to people who fulfill selfish needs. When you realize everyone around you is there primarily for your money or abilities, it's a shock.
The Doors of Perception are opened.
I know.
It isn't just the - been there, done that - smacking bugs that aren't there, putting the cereal box in the refrigerator, pouring the cheese pouch in hot water, or getting in the wrong underwear it's the isolation.
This is the best aspect of "Last Days" - you see it as Blake wanders about his estate. He blankly ignores friends and acquaintances. He unsuccessfully attempts relating to strangers. They are all around to suck away our lives - with the possible exception, in this (strange) case only, being a couple of door-to-door Jesus salesmen. The latter are a step in the salvation made clear by the film's end - which is the least best aspect of "Last Days". And, by the way, Harris Savides takes beautiful pictures.
******* Last Days (5/13/05) Gus Van Sant ~ Michael Pitt, Lukas Haas, Scott Patrick Green, Asia Argento
What many people didn't see in the death of Mr. Cobain was that he succumbed more as the result of a mental breakdown than the drug use that aggravated this condition. Cobain had reached the point in life, after nirvana, when you realize other people in your life are there more for what you have than for who you are. After parting with family and original friends, we gravitate to people who fulfill selfish needs. When you realize everyone around you is there primarily for your money or abilities, it's a shock.
The Doors of Perception are opened.
I know.
It isn't just the - been there, done that - smacking bugs that aren't there, putting the cereal box in the refrigerator, pouring the cheese pouch in hot water, or getting in the wrong underwear it's the isolation.
This is the best aspect of "Last Days" - you see it as Blake wanders about his estate. He blankly ignores friends and acquaintances. He unsuccessfully attempts relating to strangers. They are all around to suck away our lives - with the possible exception, in this (strange) case only, being a couple of door-to-door Jesus salesmen. The latter are a step in the salvation made clear by the film's end - which is the least best aspect of "Last Days". And, by the way, Harris Savides takes beautiful pictures.
******* Last Days (5/13/05) Gus Van Sant ~ Michael Pitt, Lukas Haas, Scott Patrick Green, Asia Argento