Last Days

Gus Van Sant’s Last Days (2005) is just as much a look at the pressure of fame on musicians as it is a reflection on the suicide of rock hero Kurt Cobain. The main actor, Michael Pitt, bares an undeniable resemblance to the late Nirvana front man; the mid-length blond hair, the sunglasses, the ripped jeans. In fact, Sonic Youth legends Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon were on set to assist Pitt in becoming their late friend.

Van Sant was said to have wanted to direct a biopic on the late Nirvana front man, but feared he would be sued by Courtney Love. In place, he formed Last Days which represents a fictional look at the last days of Kurt Cobain. The film is the final in what Van Sant has referred to as his “death trilogy,” which comprises two other films with unrelated plots; Gerry and Elephant.

Last Days revolves around the character of Blake (played by Michael Pitt), a troubled musician struggling with the pressure of fame and his increasing feeling of isolation from the world. Throughout the entire piece, he avoids contact with other humans; instead seeking refuge in the woods, his mansion and his music, sometimes mumbling to himself and, at one point, wearing a black dress.

He speaks briefly with a record executive (played by Kim Gordon) and a man from the Yellow Pages, but shows little to no interest in communicating with his friends and instead withdraws from interaction and hides from all who are looking for him. Those people include a private detective and his ex-wife. In ending, Blake’s lifeless body is found in the greenhouse; it is presumed that he committed suicide, yet his friends still leave in order to avoid any suspicion.

The acting and scripting is of a high standard; nothing seems forced or rehearsed. It flows wonderfully and could almost fit into the naturalistic style, with the exception of Blake’s suicide in the ending. And even that event isn’t over dramatized. The conflict is internal, little dialogue is used and the film isn’t lineal.

Music is incorporated frequently, whether it is played by Blake or from a record. Michael Pitt contributed two of his original songs to the film; Death to Birth and That Day, whilst co-star Luke Haas contributed one; Untitled.

It’s an artsy film and definitely not recommended for casual viewing. But it successfully delves into the psyche of a troubled and isolated man, clearly depicting that fame really is a fickle friend.

A haunting and true to life film.