My Own Private Idaho
“Wherever, whatever, have a nice day.”
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.
Details
Release Date: 2/1/1991
Runtime: 104 minutes
Languages: German, Italian, English
Director: Gus Van Sant
Budget: $2.5M
Revenue: $6.4M
Production
Companies: New Line Cinema
Countries: United States of America
Where to watch · US
Trailer
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Reviews
WilsonWatches
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.
