The Discipline of D.E.
The Discipline of D.E.
| 31 December 1982 (USA)
The Discipline of D.E. Trailers

"The Discipline of D.E." is a short 16mm film directed by Gus Van Sant. It’s based on a story in “Exterminator!” by William Burroughs that at times reads like Buddhist noir: "DE is a way of doing. DE simply means doing whatever you do in the easiest most relaxed way you can manage which is also the quickest and most efficient way, as you will find as you advance in DE.You can start right now tidying up your flat, moving furniture or books, washing dishes, making tea, sorting papers. Don't fumble, jerk, grab an object. Drop cool possessive fingers onto it like a gentle old cop making a soft arrest.”

Reviews
ManiakJiggy This is How Movies Should Be Made
NekoHomey Purely Joyful Movie!
Aedonerre I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.
Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de) 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.
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