My Own Private Idaho

27/9/1991 1h 44m 7.1/10

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

Top Billed Cast

Keanu Reeves

Scott Favor

River Phoenix

Mike Waters

James Russo

Richard Waters

Rodney Harvey

Gary

Chiara Caselli

Carmella

William Richert

Bob Pigeon

Reviews

WilsonWatches

3/28/2021

8/10

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.