The Discipline of D.E. (1982) User Reviews

A whole philosophy of life in 9 minutes

[Portis_Charles · 10/10 · 10 December 2023]

I've been a student of the Discipline of D. E (Do Easy) and can only recommend it. Try it at home. "Never let a poorly executed sequence pass. It's just like retaking a movie shot until you get it right." It's awesome. A whole philosophy of life based on the importance of gesture which is contained in 9 minutes (or a few pages in William S. Burroughs's 'Exterminator'). Essential, and funny.

Funny little story that I like, to get permission to use the short story on which the film is based, Gus Van Sant found Burroughs in the New York City telephone book, rang him up, and asked if he could come over. Easy.

Okay for a rookie project

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 30 July 2016]

This is "The Discipline of D.E.", a 9-minute short film from 1982, so next year it will have its 35th anniversary. The main reason why people still watch it today is because it is the very first film (according to IMDb) by the famous writer and director Gus van Sant and he adapted a short story by Burroughs here for his cinematic defloration. I personally did not enjoy the watch too much. It's difficult for me to put this film in any category. I believe it is not supposed to be taken seriously, but the problem is it is also not funny or entertaining if we don't see it as an informative little film. So what is this? I guess it is a young filmmaker's (well he was 30 at this point already) attempt to make an impact in an industry he has not worked yet and no experience yet. if this film helped him in improving to what he is today (I really loved "Milk"), then I am perfectly fine with this very old black-and-white film here not being a success at all. Watch some later GvS work instead of this one.