My Own Private Idaho

My Own Private Idaho
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Name	My Own Private Idaho
Director	Gus Van Sant
Producer	Laurie Parker
Writer	Gus Van Sant
Starring	River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, William Richert
Music	Bill Stafford
Cinematography	John J. Campbell, Eric Alan Edwards
Editing	Curtiss Clayton, Gus Van Sant
Studio	Fine Line Features
Released	1991
Runtime	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

My Own Private Idaho is a 1991 American independent film written and directed by Gus Van Sant, starring River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as two male prostitutes living on the streets of Portland, Oregon. The film is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2, with River Phoenix's character, Mike Waters, inspired by Prince Hal. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or alongside films like Barton Fink and The Double Life of Veronique.

Plot

The film follows Mike Waters, a narcoleptic male prostitute played by River Phoenix, and Scott Favor, a charismatic street kid played by Keanu Reeves, as they navigate the streets of Portland, Oregon and Idaho. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including Bob Pigeon, a mentor figure played by William Richert, and Cassanda, a kind-hearted woman played by Chiara Caselli. As the story unfolds, Mike Waters and Scott Favor form a close bond, with Mike Waters developing strong feelings for Scott Favor, who is bisexual and has a complicated relationship with his father, Mayor Jack Favor, played by Tom Troupe. The film also features appearances by Udo Kier, James Russo, and Grace Zabriskie, and was influenced by the works of Andy Warhol and Jean-Luc Godard.

Production

The film was produced by Laurie Parker and Gus Van Sant, with Eric Alan Edwards serving as the cinematographer. The film was shot on location in Portland, Oregon, Idaho, and Rome, and features a mix of documentary-style footage and narrative storytelling. The film's soundtrack features music by Bill Stafford and Elvis Presley, and was influenced by the works of David Bowie and Iggy Pop. The film's production design was handled by David Brisbin and Kenneth Hughes, who also worked on films like Drugstore Cowboy and To Die For.

Cast

The film features a talented cast, including River Phoenix as Mike Waters, Keanu Reeves as Scott Favor, and William Richert as Bob Pigeon. The film also features appearances by Udo Kier, James Russo, and Grace Zabriskie, as well as Tom Troupe as Mayor Jack Favor and Chiara Caselli as Cassanda. The cast's performances were influenced by the works of Marlon Brando and James Dean, and were praised by critics like Roger Ebert and Pauline Kael.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. The film holds a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting its poetic and lyrical storytelling style, which was influenced by the works of François Truffaut and Martin Scorsese. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $6 million at the box office and becoming a cult classic among fans of independent film and LGBT cinema, including films like Desert Hearts and Maurice.

Themes

The film explores a number of themes, including homosexuality, identity, and alienation. The film's portrayal of gay characters and themes was praised by critics and audiences alike, and helped to establish Gus Van Sant as a major voice in LGBT cinema, alongside filmmakers like Todd Haynes and Gregg Araki. The film also explores the theme of displacement, as Mike Waters and Scott Favor navigate the streets of Portland, Oregon and Idaho, and features references to the works of Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs.

Legacy

The film has had a lasting impact on independent film and LGBT cinema, and continues to be celebrated as a cult classic among fans of River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. The film's influence can be seen in the works of filmmakers like Larry Clark and Harmony Korine, and its portrayal of gay characters and themes has helped to pave the way for future generations of LGBT filmmakers, including Derek Jarman and Terence Davies. The film was also selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, alongside films like Citizen Kane and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Category:American independent films