The Way It Is

A raw and unflinching look at the lives of a group of young, aimless drifters in Portland, Oregon, during the mid-1980s. The film captures their struggles with poverty, addiction, and a pervasive sense of existential ennui as they navigate the fringes of society. Their days are filled with petty crime, aimless wandering, and often destructive relationships, all set against a backdrop of urban decay.

Gus Van Sant's debut feature, 'The Way It Is,' was met with critical acclaim for its gritty realism and authentic portrayal of marginalized youth. Reviewers praised its unvarnished depiction of a generation struggling to find its place, noting the film's raw emotional power and uncompromising vision. While not a commercial success, it gained a cult following and marked Van Sant as a distinctive directorial voice.

• Praised for its raw, unflinching realism.
• Lauded for its authentic portrayal of disaffected youth.
• Considered a powerful and uncompromising debut.

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The film was shot entirely on 16mm film, contributing to its raw, documentary-like aesthetic. Many of the actors were non-professional and drawn from the Portland street scene.