My Own Private Idaho

1991 Drama

Gus Van Sant's dreamtime riff on Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Parts I and II" features River Phoenix as Mike Waters, a narcoleptic male hustler who is first seen drifting on a stretch of highway in Idaho. Mike shifts from Seattle to Portland, where he has taken up with Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), who is also a hustler. The difference between them is Mike's sleepy state betrays an uncertain future, while Scott is ready to inherit a fortune from his father within a week. Mike feels a real affection for Scott, but Scott does not believe men can really love each other. Besides, Scott is mostly hustling as a means of slumming and killing time before he inherits his money. Mike, however, delusionally thinks Scott will continue with his life as a drifter after receiving his inheritance. Mike's belief is shared by the dregs of Portland, who live out of an abandoned hotel with their spiritual leader Bob (film director William Richert). They're convinced Scott's fortune will benefit them all, when in reality Scott has other plans. more..

Director: Gus Van Sant

Starring: River Phoenix,Keanu Reeves, James Russo,William Richert, Rodney Harvey

 20 Reviews  8 Awards

Reviews

  • Beautifully wrought, darkly funny and finally devastating, My Own Private Idaho almost single-handedly revives the notion of personal filmmaking in the United States.

    Dave Kehr - The Chicago Tribune

    26 April 2013

  • Before this trippy, mesmerizing movie swerves out of control, it delivers an exhilarating and challenging ride.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    26 April 2013

  • There is no mechanical plot that has to grind to a Hollywood conclusion, and no contrived test for the heroes to pass; this is a movie about two particular young men, and how they pass their lives.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    26 April 2013

  • Van Sant casts a gently hypnotic spell that is not easily forgotten.

    - TV Guide

    26 April 2013

  • It's a daredevil's ride that keeps you glued with fascination.

    Marjorie Baumgarten - Austin Chronicle

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Gus Van Sant

    Deauville Film Festival (1991)

  • Best Film Music

    Independent Spirit Awards (1992)

  • Best Cinematography

    Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards (1991)

  • Best Actor

    National Society of Film Critics Awards (1992)

  • Best Actor

    New York Film Critics Circle Awards (1991)

Lists

No lists

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