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.
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.
Quick Stats
7.0
TMDB Rating
1,253
Votes
1h 44m
Runtime
$2.5M
Budget
$6.4M
Box Office
256%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorGus Van Sant
WriterGus Van Sant
CinematographyEric Alan Edwards
ComposerBill Stafford
EditorCurtiss Clayton
Production DesignDavid Brisbin
Produced by
New Line CinemaFine Line Features
Where to Watch
Rent
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Fandango At HomeBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
1 featuredCast
River Phoenix
Mike Waters
Keanu Reeves
Scott Favor
James Russo
Richard Waters
William Richert
Bob Pigeon
Rodney Harvey
Gary
Chiara Caselli
Carmella
M
Michael Parker
Digger
Jessica Makinson
Denise
Flea
Budd
Grace Zabriskie
Alena
Tom Troupe
Jack Favor
Udo Kier
Hans
S
Sally Curtice
Jane Lightwork
R
Robert Lee Pitchlynn
Walt
Mickey Cottrell
Daddy Carroll
