My Own Private Idaho main backdrop
My Own Private Idaho main poster

My Own Private Idaho

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7.1/10 • 1.1K

1991-02-011h 44m

Drama

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.

Directors
Gus Van Sant
Editors
Curtiss Clayton

Top Billed Cast

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  1. River Phoenix

    River Phoenix

    Mike Waters

  2. Keanu Reeves

    Keanu Reeves

    Scott Favor

  3. James Russo

    James Russo

    Richard Waters

  4. William Richert

    William Richert

    Bob Pigeon

  5. Rodney Harvey

    Rodney Harvey

    Gary

  6. Chiara Caselli

    Chiara Caselli

    Carmella

  7. Michael Parker

    Michael Parker

    Digger

  8. Jessica Makinson

    Jessica Makinson

    Denise

  9. Flea

    Flea

    Budd

Reviews1

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WilsonWatches Avatar

WilsonWatches

Mar 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.

Media

  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster
  • My Own Private Idaho poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$2,500,000.00
Revenue
$6,400,000.00
Keywords
individualfriendshiptreasurerobberysibling relationshiprome, italyparent child relationshipgenerations conflictportland, oregonhustlercocaineidahoseattle, washingtonmale friendshiproad tripunrequited lovemale prostitutionpovertyprostitutionincestlgbtlost mothernarcolepsyfather son relationshipgay theme