My Own Private Idaho

9/27/19911h 44m

Premiere Release (US)

~ Wherever, whatever, have a nice day. ~

Overview:

In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.

Director:

Gus Van Sant

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$2,500,000.00

Revenue:

$6,400,000.00

Key words:

individual
friendship
treasure
robbery
sibling relationship
rome, italy
parent child relationship
generations conflict
portland, oregon
hustler
cocaine
idaho
seattle, washington
male friendship
road trip
unrequited love
male prostitution
poverty
prostitution
incest
lgbt
lost mother
narcolepsy
father son relationship
gay theme

Cast

River Phoenix

~ as ~

Mike Waters

Keanu Reeves

~ as ~

Scott Favor

James Russo

~ as ~

Richard Waters

William Richert

~ as ~

Bob Pigeon

Rodney Harvey

~ as ~

Gary

Chiara Caselli

~ as ~

Carmella

Michael Parker

~ as ~

Digger

Jessica Makinson

~ as ~

Denise

Flea

~ as ~

Budd

Grace Zabriskie

~ as ~

Alena

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

WilsonWatches
Written 4 year(s) ago
8
Shakespeare meets street hustlers in a plot loosely inspired by Shakespeare's Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2 & Henry V. The film is both humorous and profound with River Phoenix's (Mike) shining & Keanu Reeves (Scott) also starring alongside some very memorable characters (Hans, Bob).

I think it's probably of the best LGBT Films/ depictions of LGBT characters in film, & deservedly considered a cult classic. The offbeat film's authentic style coupled with its compelling, drifting story, make My own Private Idaho a must watch nearly 30 years after release.