My Own Private Idaho

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My Own Private Idaho

"Wherever, whatever, have a nice day."

1991 • 1h 44m • ★ 7.1 (1,209 votes) Released

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

Screenplay

Gus Van Sant

Rating

7.1

Runtime

104 min

Budget

$2.5M

Revenue

$6.4M

Profit/Loss

+3.9M

Watch Trailer IMDb

Production

New Line Cinema

New Line Cinema

Videos & Trailers

Gallery

Audience Reviews

W

WilsonWatches

★ 8/10 • Mar 28, 2021

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.

Keywords

individualfriendshiptreasurerobberysibling relationshiprome, italyparent child relationshipgenerations conflictportland, oregonhustlercocaineidahoseattle, washingtonmale friendshiproad tripunrequited lovemale prostitutionpovertyprostitutionincestlgbtlost mothernarcolepsyfather son relationshipgay theme