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Jon JostAmerican director, screenwriter, producer, cinematographer
Date of Birth: 16.05.1943
Country:  USA |
Content:
- John Jost: American Filmmaker and Iconoclast
- Early Life and Influences
- Prison and Activism
- Film Debut and Early Work
- International Recognition
- European Years
- Return and "Bush Trilogy"
- Later Years and Legacy
- Filmography
John Jost: American Filmmaker and Iconoclast
John Jost (born 1943) is an acclaimed American director, screenwriter, and jack-of-all-trades in the film industry.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Chicago to a military family, Jost's early life was unconventional. Expelled from college in 1963, he embarked on a self-taught filmmaking journey. He created his own films, handling every aspect of production from concept to editing.
Prison and Activism
In 1965, Jost was imprisoned for 27 months for draft evasion. Upon his release, he embraced documentary filmmaking, capturing the social unrest surrounding the 1968 presidential election. His marginal views on society led him to a period of homelessness and begging in Montana.
Film Debut and Early Work
Jost's first feature film, released in 1974, was shot in an abandoned garage. His early films explored American life, focusing on its often hidden and unflattering aspects. He experimented with various cinematic forms, from traditional essays to avant-garde narratives.
International Recognition
Jost's films gained international acclaim from the mid-1970s onwards. He received numerous awards at film festivals and in 1991, the Museum of Modern Art in New York presented a retrospective of his work.
European Years
Disenchanted with life in the United States, Jost relocated to Europe in the early 1990s. He produced documentaries and feature films, often focusing on the countries he visited, particularly Italy.
Return and "Bush Trilogy"
In 2004, Jost returned to the United States and released "Homecoming," the first installment of his self-proclaimed "Bush Trilogy." These films critique the political and social climate under President George W. Bush.
Later Years and Legacy
Jost's later years were spent in South Korea, where he taught filmmaking. His unwavering critique of both the American dream and the destructive power of money is captured in his quote from the film "The Trap:"
"Money is the first and the last lie... Money is the way to hell and the sure way for those who have it to think they are better than those who do not... It is mountains of lies wrapped up in national flags that make poor boys go out and die so the ones who have it can sit at home and sip fine spirits... Money is the first step on a long walk to nowhere."
Filmography
Speaking Directly: Some American Notes(1973)Last Chants for a Slow Dance(1977)
Slow Moves(1983)
Homecoming(2004)
The Trap(2005)
Taxi to the Dark Side(2007)
