Gus Van Sant's Constant Thematic and Cinematic Elements
The differences in these films could not be more blatant, and yet Gus Van Sant has found a way to portray the same messages and use the same techniques in each.

Rhoma and Rika have a steady relationship. But it is hard for Rika to refuse her father’s request for her to study abroad. Rika and her best friend, Ani, both hide each other’s respective boyfriends as Ani had a bad relationship experience in the past. On Ani’s birthday party, something unexpected happens when both, Rike and Ani, discover that they have the same boyfriend. Rika then concedes that Ani is the one for Rhoma so she fulfils her parent’s expectation to continue her studies abroad.
The differences in these films could not be more blatant, and yet Gus Van Sant has found a way to portray the same messages and use the same techniques in each.
The Forge is a moving story about a young man’s search for purpose. Through mentorship, discipline, and faith in God, his life is transformed from confusion into clarity, reminding us that true greatness is shaped in the fire of surrender and growth.
From being unfairly outed, to going after the life you want for yourself, these songs from 'Frozen' perfectly capture the journey out of the closet.
Portraying how easy it is to be an ally heavily benefits the majority audience. The more we encourage it, normalize it, and give people the tools to become one, the sooner we can co-exist peacefully.
With This is Us now on its fifth season and A Million Little Things on its third, we have a lot of material to entertain the hypothetical: if these two shows got in the ring together, who would come out victorious? Despite the endless recognition for the former’s success, I dare say I’d put my money on A Million Little Things once all is said and done.
"Driveways" is a nuanced portrait of an Asian American family, touching on themes of loss, growth, and belonging.