Wed Sep 03 01:40:00 UTC 2025: Here are a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Gus Van Sant’s new film, “Dead Man’s Wire,” presented out of competition at the Venice Film Festival, is based on a true story from 1977 Indianapolis. It centers on Anthony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgard), who, facing financial ruin, kidnaps Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery), the son of a mortgage company owner. Kiritsis rigs a Winchester rifle with a wire connecting it to both his and Hall’s necks, threatening to kill Hall if he is harmed or if Hall tries to escape. The film explores Kiritsis’s motivations and his relationship with his hostage, showcasing the ruthlessness of the American economic system, represented by Hall Sr. (Al Pacino). While inspired by true events, Van Sant highlights the film’s resonance with contemporary issues of economic desperation and its focus on the humanity of the desperate Kiritsis.
**News Article:**
**Gus Van Sant’s “Dead Man’s Wire” Premieres at Venice, Examining Economic Desperation in 1970s America**
Venice, Italy – Gus Van Sant’s latest film, “Dead Man’s Wire,” debuted out of competition at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, drawing attention for its gripping narrative and exploration of economic desperation. Based on a chilling true story from 1977 Indianapolis, the film stars Bill Skarsgard as Anthony Kiritsis, a man driven to extreme measures after facing financial ruin at the hands of a mortgage company.
Kiritsis kidnaps Richard Hall, the son of the mortgage company owner (played by Dacre Montgomery), and rigs a Winchester rifle with a deadly wire connecting it to both their necks. This “dead man’s wire” ensures Hall’s death if Kiritsis is harmed or if Hall attempts to flee.
Van Sant explains his interest in the project, citing the Midwest setting and the story’s universal themes. “The script existed before I was involved, and I was interested in the setting of the Midwest, where my family is from, and where they never shoot anything,” he said.
The film delves into Kiritsis’s motivations, revealing a man who felt betrayed by the American dream. He demands $5 million and immunity in exchange for Hall’s release. Al Pacino portrays Hall Sr., the ruthless father who embodies the cutthroat nature of the American economic system.
While set in the 1970s, “Dead Man’s Wire” resonates with contemporary struggles. Van Sant notes uncanny parallels to recent events, highlighting the film’s examination of a system that pushes individuals to their breaking points. The film explores the unexpected relationship between kidnapper and hostage, and Skarsgard’s performance captures the unsettling humanity of a man driven to desperate acts. “Dead Man’s Wire” promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of desperation, survival, and the dark side of the American dream.
First Piper 