My Own Private Idaho (1991)

7.1 | Feb 01, 1991 (US) | Drama | 01:44

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

Budget: 2 500 000 | Revenue: 6 400 000

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.

Featured Crew

Gus Van Sant

Director, Screenplay

James L. Brooks

Thanks

David Minkowski

Second Assistant Director

Nick Wechsler

Thanks

Eric Alan Edwards

Additional Still Photographer, Director of Photography

Missy Stewart

Set Decoration

Curtiss Clayton

Editor

Beatrix Aruna Pasztor

Costume Design

Kelley Baker

Supervising Sound Editor

Paul Sharpe

Sound Re-Recording Mixer

Cast

River Phoenix

Mike Waters

Keanu Reeves

Scott Favor

James Russo

Richard Waters

William Richert

Bob Pigeon

Rodney Harvey

Gary

Chiara Caselli

Carmella

Michael Parker

Digger

Jessica Makinson

Denise

Flea

Budd

Grace Zabriskie

Alena

Images

Reviews

WilsonWatches

8 | 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.