My Own Private Idaho (Criterion)
River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in director Gus Van Sant's haunting tale of two young street hustlers: Mike Waters, a sensitive narcoleptic who dreams of the mother who abandoned him, and Scott Favor, wayward son of the mayor of Portland and the object of Mike's desire. Navigating a volatile world of junkies, thieves, and johns, Mike takes Scott on a quest from the grungy streets to the open highways to the Pacific Northwest, in search of an elusive place called "home." Groundbreaking and visually dazzling, My Own Private Idaho is a stirring look at unrequited love and life at society's margins.
Member Reviews
early 90's cult classic - frankenstein
the movie gets off to a strange and slow start , but gets more interesting as it progresses. Sad story with some weird bizarre characters intervening throughout the film which keeps you watching. I guess in the early 90's this would have been somewhat of a breakthrough movie in the gay culture . The movie is certainly not for everyone, but if you are interested in cult classics and indie movies , it ranks up there.have a nice day - comebackshane
Idaho is a film that really needs to be put in historical context to be appreciated properly. While it is still as emotionally and socially cutting today as it was upon its release, its place within the setting of the early 90s, with taboos being broken down, independent film on the rise and the tragic decline of River Phoenix spiralling to its end is what will eventually cement its status as oneof the most important films of the 90s.
On a purely entertainment level, its a subtly enjoyable film. It manages to be an update on Shakespeare without clubbing the viewer over the head with it (such as Baz Luhrmann's take on Romeo and Juliet or the Ethan Hawke Hamlet) but also manages to take a look at a hard life on the street without caricaturing (like The Fisher King) or over-pitying (Pursuit of Happyness). It's a genuinely enjoyable story with very well developed characters. Reeves and Phoenix play well off each other, invoking laughs ("Mike, wake up... Sandwiches!") and genuine pathos, while the character of Bob, while seemingly fringe at first is played out with grace and humour, until a fitting end.
I don't know who this film is really for, nowadays, unfortunately. It has its roots in gay culture and was even referenced in "Shortbus" but although it follows male love and prostitution it's not only a gay movie. It's an indie film, but with a differene aesthetic than the films that made the indie boom like Reservoir Dogs or Sex, Lies and Videotape.
Any way you slice it, it is a time capsule picture. It is slightly dated, and it can drag at points- but to understand cinematic history, especially recent history- it is essential viewing.Have patience... - A_Swirl
Yes...I admit...it takes some patience to get to the part that rips your heart out, but this is a case of where the destination is very worth the journey.
Well shot, well paced, but with sometimes difficult dialogue...
Definitely worthy of being a Criterion Collection film
Member Reviews
Read All...
early 90's cult classic - frankenstein
the movie gets off to a strange and slow start , but gets more interesting as it progresses. Sad story with some weird bizarre characters intervening throughout the film which keeps you watching. I guess in the early 90's this would have been somewhat of a ...have a nice day - comebackshane
Idaho is a film that really needs to be put in historical context to be appreciated properly. While it is still as emotionally and socially cutting today as it was upon its release, its place within the setting of the early 90s, with taboos being broken down, ...Have patience... - A_Swirl
Yes...I admit...it takes some patience to get to the part that rips your heart out, but this is a case of where the destination is very worth the journey.
Well shot, well paced, but with sometimes difficult dialogue...
Definitely worthy of being ...